Note: The creation of this article on testing No Timing was human-based, with the assistance of artificial intelligence.
Explanation of the success criteria
WCAG 2.2.3 No Timing is a Level AAA conformance level Success Criterion. It recognizes that not all users interact with web content at the same pace, some need extra time to read, navigate, or respond. By allowing users to pause, stop, or extend timers, this guideline removes time-based barriers that could prevent people with motor, cognitive, or visual impairments from completing tasks like filling out forms, reading content, or engaging with interactive elements.
This success criteria is more strict than the related WCAG 2.2.1 Timing Adjustable, which allows for timing, as long as the user can control them.
Note that this Success Criterion is at a conformance level of AAA. This means that this Success Criterion is generally considered aspirational, going beyond the standard A & AA conformance levels. It addresses more specific accessibility needs and is not mandatory for all websites or content. However, achieving Level AAA can provide additional benefits in terms of inclusivity.
Who does this benefit?
The benefits are far-reaching:
- Users with physical disabilities gain the time they need to act.
- Users with low vision can read and locate information without pressure.
- Screen reader users can explore content at their own pace.
- Users with cognitive or language limitations can process information fully.
- Individuals who rely on sign-language interpretation benefit when timing control accommodates the translation process.
Testing via Automated testing
Automated testing provides speed and consistency, quickly identifying visible time-limited elements like countdowns or session timeouts, but it cannot fully assess whether users truly have enough time or if adjustments are effective.
Testing via Artificial Intelligence (AI)
AI-based testing adds sophistication, simulating interactions and uncovering nuanced timing behaviors, yet it cannot entirely replicate human experience and requires careful interpretation.
Testing via Manual Testing
Manual testing remains indispensable, allowing evaluators to experience real-world interactions, confirm functional controls, and ensure usability for people with diverse abilities, though it demands significant time, expertise, and resources.
Which approach is best?
No single approach for testing No Timing is perfect. A hybrid approach to combines the strengths of automated, AI-based, and manual testing to provide a comprehensive and efficient evaluation.
Start with automated tools to flag obvious issues, leverage AI to analyze dynamic timing and suggest improvements, and validate everything through meticulous manual testing. This layered approach combines speed, intelligence, and human insight to deliver a comprehensive evaluation of WCAG 2.2.3 compliance, ensuring that digital experiences are truly accessible, equitable, and empowering for all users.