Design Principle
Understandability is part of accessibility; complex copy increases cognitive load for everyone.
Principle
Understandability is part of accessibility; complex copy increases cognitive load for everyone.
Design action
Describe objects and actions in user language; buttons use verb plus object, and errors explain cause plus fix.
Examples
Positive example: Empty states, errors, settings, wizards, hints, and confirmation dialogs require decisions. Counterexample: Internal system names or abstract marketing terms are used.
Apply when
Empty states, errors, settings, wizards, hints, and confirmation dialogs require decisions. Users need to judge state, scope, risk, or next action quickly.
Source notes
Source note: Synthesized from W3C WCAG 2.2, Apple Accessibility, IBM Carbon Accessibility, and accessibility practices in major design systems. WCAG 2.2: https://www.w3.org/TR/WCAG22/ WCAG Contrast Minimum: https://www.w3.org/WAI/WCAG21/Understanding/contrast-minimum.html WCAG Non-text Contrast: https://www.w3.org/WAI/WCAG22/Understanding/non-text-contrast.html Apple HIG Accessibility: https://developer.apple.com/design/human-interface-guidelines/accessibility Carbon Accessibility Overview: https://carbondesignsystem.com/guidelines/accessibility/overview/
Agent Directive
Describe objects and actions in user language; buttons use verb plus object, and errors explain cause plus fix.