Labels or Instructions
Labels or instructions are provided when content requires user input.
In plain language
Every field where someone needs to type or choose something must have a clear label or instruction explaining what's expected.
Why it matters
Without a label, people — especially those with cognitive or learning disabilities, or screen reader users — have to guess what a field wants, leading to mistakes, confusion, or giving up altogether.
In practice
Fails this criterion
A search box in the site header has no visible label, icon, or placeholder text indicating what it's for.
Meets this criterion
A date field is labeled "Date of birth" and includes instructions like "Format: DD/MM/YYYY," making it clear exactly what to enter and how.
Test it yourself
Go through every input field on the site's forms. Does each one have a visible label or instruction explaining what information is expected? If any field is unlabeled, this criterion is failing.