45. In drop-down and pop-up menus, do not automatically execute the user’s choice.

Drop down boxes can immediately jump the user to the item they have selected. When users with upper limb disabilities are using the keyboard, the jump can happen before the intended item is selected, making it difficult for them to select an item.

Example and Implementation

Make sure to add an "execute" button to drop down menus (<select>). Do not automatically execute the user’s choice.

Bad example: Although the user wishes to select (2), the page jumps to (1) .

Good example: Provide a "decided" button.

46. Make forms easy to understand and operate by clarifying the relationship between labels and controls and grouping the settings.

Persons with upper limb disabilities and the elderly can have problems selecting minutely-displayed controls such as check-boxes with the mouse. By relating controls with labels (names), the label can be clicked making it easier to select the control. Also, by appropriately grouping multiple controls and relating the controls with the labels, the controls which should be set are easy to find.

Example and Implementation

• Relate the label (name) to the control using the <label> tag.
• When there are many controls, use the <fieldset> tag to group the controls. Also use the <legend> tag to attach titles to the groups.

Bad example: When the <label> tag is not used, users can only check the check box.

Good example: When the <label> tag is not used, users can only check the check box.