Instructions for operating web-based content and cues for identifying content does not rely exclusively on color, shape, size, position, or sound. (Above/Below references allowed)
Instructions in the context of this criterion references web-based content. It does not apply to instructions relating to performing actions in the "real world."
This test is not concerned with text that is not part of an instruction. It is okay to reference colors or directional relationships as long as that text is not an explanation of how to perform a web-based task. (For instance, you can say that "The field is covered in gold flowers with a brown barn in the middle" since you aren't trying to inform a user about how you interact with web content).
Visual cues are also included in this criterion. A visual cue would for example be like bold text to bring attention to certain text. It is not a failure of this criterion to use visual cues, as long as the visual cue is not attempting to convey important information not otherwise available in text. (For example, you can use bold text to emphasize a term or important bit of text to the user, but you cannot say "items in bold are important" or "bold form fields are required")
Whenever a web-based instruction or visual cue is found:
Ensure that color, shape, size, position, or sound are not exclusively used to provide instructions to the user.
If the instruction or cue provides an additional descriptor aside from one reliant on specific senses, then that would not count as a failure of this criterion. (Example: "Click the green button" versus "Click the green submit button"
The lone exception to this rule in regards to instructions is when the language references "above" or "below" which imply before or after in sequence (assuming it references something before or after in DOM order, not visual order)
