‘Multiple Ways’ requires you to offer at least two ways to find pages on your website.
Introduction
All users benefit from a website that makes it easy to find and navigate to webpages. Some users will find certain methods easier than others, so it’s important to offer a range of options.
For example, users with visual impairments may prefer a search function, whereas those with cognitive impairments may find a sitemap easier to use.
How to Pass ‘Multiple Ways’
Provide multiple ways for users to find your website’s pages by:
- Adding a sitemap page which links to every page on your website; and
- Including a search function on every page (by adding it to the header); and
- Providing a clear and consistent main navigation menu.
Exceptions
- You don’t need to provide multiple ways to access pages that users only reach after a certain process (for example, a receipt or confirmation page).
- If your website only has a handful of pages, one clear navigation menu may suffice.
‘Multiple Ways’ Tips
Though you only need at least two methods available to user, the three suggested above make a more comprehensive solution.
A good HTML sitemap will depend on the structure of your website. Design your sitemap so that it best reflects the structure of your website pages and contains all your pages.A ‘related pages’ section (which shows links to similar pages on your website) is a good way of helping users navigate around your website.
For a small site e.g. a brochure site with half a dozen pages, the criterion can be met by just making sure that every page is directly linked from the home page.
The important thing about search though is that it must work well, and find pages based on a variety of keywords, but also be intelligent enough to filter out search terms for common words like the, of, it etc.
And the important thing about a site map is that it must contain all pages (apart from process related pages as mentioned above). Many sitemaps are cut down and not fully suitable for this purpose.
Thanks Richard, I think I’ll add that bit about small sites into the “Tips” section – that’s exactly the kind of technique I love sharing on here – one’s where it makes WCAG seem achievable!