POUR is an acronym used in accessibility that stands for “Perceivable”, “Operable”, “Navigable”, “Understandable” and “Robust”. These are the four guiding principles that WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) has used to build their accessibility criteria.
Perceivable: This guideline refers to the information and user interface components that must be presentable to users in ways that they can perceive. The guidelines include:
- Text alternatives (for all non-text content)
- Time-based media (Audio, Video and other media)
- Adaptable (Information structure and relationships, meaningful sequences, Sensory Characteristics, Orientation, Identifying Purposes)
- Distinguishable (Use of Color, Audio Controls, Contrast, Text Resizing, Images of Text, Background Audio, Visual Presentation, Reflow, Non-Text Contrast, Text Spacing, Hover/Focus Content.
Operable: This guideline refers to the interface components and navigation, and ensuring that it is operable in multiple ways.
- Keyboard Accessible (Ensuring all interactive elements can gain focus, No Traps, Character Key Shortcuts follow guidelines)
- Enough Time (Timing Adjustable, Pause/Stop/Hide Controls, No Timing, Interruptions, Re-authenticating, Timeouts)
- Seizures and Physical Reactions (Three Flashes or Below Threshold, Animation from Interactions)
- Navigable ( Bypass Blocks, Page Titled, Focus Order, Link Purpose, Multiple Ways, Headings and Labels, Focus Visible, Location, Link Purpose, Section headings, Focus Not Obscured, Focus Appearance)
- Input Modalities (Pointer Gestures, Pointer Cancellation, label in Name, Motion Actuation, Target Size, Concurrent Input Mechanisms, Dragging Movements, Target Size)
Understandable: This guideline refers to the information and operation of the user interface and ensuring that it is understandable.
- Readable (Language of the Page and Parts, Unusual words, Abbreviations, Reading Level, Pronunciation)
- Predictable (On Focus, On Input, Consistent Navigation, Consistent Identification, Change on Request, Consistent Help)
- Input Assistance (Error Identification, Suggestions and Prevention, Labels or Instructions, Help, Redundant Entry, Authentication)
Robust: This guideline refers to the content’s ability to be interpreted by a wide variety of user agents including assistive technology.
- Compatible (Name/Role/Value, Status Messages)
Each of these guidelines is assigned a level of A (lowest conformance), AA (mid-level conformance) and AAA (highest conformance) for accessibility.
To find out more about each WCAG guideline visit the WCAG Quick Reference here.
If you would like to find out more about making your website Accessible and what conformance level your business needs to follow please contact us.