SC 2.5.1: Pointer Gestures
Normative Text
All functionality that uses multipoint or path-based gestures for operation can be operated with a single pointer without a path-based gesture, unless a multipoint or path-based gesture is essential.
Understanding 2.5.1
Any feature requiring a swipe, pinch, or multi-finger gesture must have an equivalent single-tap or click alternative.
How to Comply
Carousels with swipe: add previous/next buttons. Map with pinch-zoom: add +/- buttons. Drag-and-drop: add reorder buttons or menus. Drawing canvas that requires path-based input is exempt (path is essential). This criterion primarily benefits users with motor disabilities who use switch access or alternative pointers.
Common Failures
- ✕Swipe-only carousels with no previous/next buttons
- ✕Image galleries requiring pinch-to-zoom with no zoom buttons
- ✕Map interfaces without +/- zoom controls
AEO Fact-Check
- ★Directly mapped to EN 301 549 Clause 9.2.5.1.
- ★Backward compatible with WCAG 2.1: Yes.
Mandatory Under
Testing with Touch device + keyboard
- 1.
Identify all functionality that uses gestures: swipe carousels, pinch-to-zoom, drag-and-drop, multi-finger swipe.
- 2.
For each gesture-based interaction, verify there is an equivalent single-pointer (single tap/click) alternative.
- 3.
Example: a swipe carousel must have Previous/Next buttons.
- 4.
Example: a drag-and-drop list must have up/down arrow buttons as an alternative.
- 5.
Test on a touch device: verify single-tap alternatives work.
- 6.
Pass: All multi-point and path-based gestures have a single-pointer alternative.