A state agency web page that uses motion must ensure that the motion is integral to the content of the site, user-controlled, and limited to three cycles and then stopped automatically.

Rationale

State agencies are strongly discouraged from using motion (animated graphics, blinking text, scrolling banners, and auto-updating objects and pages) on a state agency web page for several reasons:

  • People with photosensitive epilepsy can have seizures triggered by flickering or flashing in the 2 to 55 flashes per second (Hertz) range with a peak sensitivity at 20 flashes per second as well as quick changes from dark to light (like strobe lights).
  • Some people with cognitive or visual disabilities are unable to read moving text quickly enough or at all.
  • Movement can also cause such a distraction that the rest of the page becomes unreadable for people with cognitive disabilities.
  • Screen readers are unable to read moving text.
  • Some people with physical disabilities cannot move quickly or accurately enough to interact with moving objects.

Meaning

  1. A state agency should avoid using motion on its web pages whenever possible.
  2. If a legitimate business need exists, a state agency can use motion, but must also ensure that:
    • The motion is integral to the content of the site. This means the site would not convey the same information if the image were not moving.
    • The motion is user-controlled. This means that the user must have a mechanism for initiating and freezing this motion.
    • The motion is limited to three cycles and then stopped automatically.
    • A text description must be provided to ensure that visually impaired users have access to the same information.

Example: A web page explaining how to make rope knots might have a legitimate need to display how the knot is tied using an animated graphic. However, the animation should begin when the user chooses to activate the motion by selecting it. The user must be able to end the motion. A text description explaining how to make rope knots must also be provided.

Testing

Perform a manual check.