Duplicate type info in spoken output

Avoid including the control type name in the accessibility label of UI elements. Screen readers announce the type of UI controls based on their built-in or user-defined attributes, making the repetition of the control type in the label unnecessary and potentially verbose. This can lead to a confusing user experience for individuals relying on assistive technologies.

Success criteria

The rule checks for the following potential violations:

• Inclusion of control type
  Accessibility labels should not include the name of the control type (e.g., button, checkbox, text view).
• Redundant information
  Accessibility labels should focus on providing meaningful information without repeating the control type that the screen reader will automatically announce.

How to fix

To fix violations related to view type information in accessibility labels, follow these steps:

• Remove control type information
  Ensure that the contentDescription (Android) or accessibilityLabel (iOS) does not contain the control type name. The screen reader will announce the control type automatically.
• Use descriptive labels
  Focus on providing clear and concise labels that describe the element’s purpose or content without including its type.

Example

The following example scan report shows a duplicate type info violation in the app’s interface. The issue is identified for a Switch element that has the control type “Switch” included in its accessibility label.

Violation

• Switch control:
  The Switch element has a accessibility label defined as “off, this is image Switch, Switch”. This is a violation because the control type “Switch” is included in the label. Screen readers will automatically announce the control type (“Switch”), and including it in the label leads to redundancy, which can cause confusion for users relying on assistive technologies.

Fix

• Remove “Switch” or any control type from the content description.
• Ensure the screen reader can convey the control type automatically.

References

• 4.1.2 Name, Role, Value (Level A): WCAG 2.1 · WCAG 2.2