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Cornell University

Web Accessibility Reviews

All Guidelines

64

All functionality that uses multipoint, or path-based gestures can be operated with a single pointer without a path-based gesture, unless essential.

WGAC 2 criterion 2.5.1 Pointer Gestures (A)
Category Interaction
ACT Rules

WCAG 2 criterion

2.5.1 Pointer Gestures (Level A)

Tools and requirements

  • Manual Assessment
  • Touchscreen Device

Test procedure

A path-based gesture is defined as functionality where an interaction relies on more than just a start and endpoint of a gesture (like a swipe or click and drag). Examples of path-based gestures include the following

  • A swipe gesture where direction or speed is factored into the functionality
  • A gesture that requires tracing a specific shape or path

A multipoint gesture is defined as any gesture which requires two points of contact to interact, like a two-finger pinch or a multi-point tap to interact.

Whenever either a path-based gesture or multipoint gesture is used then there must be an alternate method to interact with the functionality. For instance, a button that requires a simple tap or click, or a click and hold.

Path-based gestures and multipoint gestures are going to be relatively rare, you may encounter them on carousels or maps.

AI Prompt