*This article is an English translation of a Japanese article.
Introduction
JIS X 8341-3:2016, the Japanese standard for web accessibility, provides guidelines to ensure that all users can safely and comfortably access web content. One particularly crucial aspect of this standard is the success criterion for “Prevention of Seizures.” This criterion focuses on preventing seizures triggered by flashing lights or specific visual patterns. In this article, we will detail the requirements of this criterion and explain how to meet them effectively.
Overview of the “Prevention of Seizures” Success Criterion
The “Prevention of Seizures” criterion in JIS X 8341-3:2016 aims to protect users from seizures caused by visual stimuli, particularly those with photosensitive epilepsy. This standard emphasizes controlling flashes and high-contrast visual patterns that may pose a risk. Key factors include:
- Flashing Frequency: Content that flashes more than three times per second increases the risk of seizures and should be avoided.
- High Contrast Patterns: Flashing content with strong contrasts, especially red, white, and black, can be particularly dangerous.
- Flashing Area Size: If the flashing area exceeds 20% of the screen, the risk increases significantly.
These guidelines are designed to minimize the risk of photosensitive seizures.
Specific Requirements of the Success Criterion
To comply with the “Prevention of Seizures” criterion, the following key requirements must be met:
1. Control of Flashing Colors
Flashing colors, especially in the red spectrum, pose a higher risk. To minimize this, any flashing content should either be limited to fewer than three flashes per second or provide an option for users to stop the flashing.
2. Control of Area Size and Duration
If the flashing area covers more than 25% of the screen, it poses a significant risk. Additionally, the flashing should not exceed three flashes in a single second, and users should be able to stop the flashing if necessary.
3. Avoid Flashing with Sound
When flashing is accompanied by sound, the combination of visual and auditory stimuli can heighten the risk of triggering seizures. In such cases, stricter control over flashing frequency and color must be applied.
Specific Measures for Web Developers and Site Owners
To meet the “Prevention of Seizures” success criterion, web developers and site owners should take the following steps:
- Content Review: Review all media content, including videos, animations, and GIFs, to ensure they do not violate the flashing criteria. If they do, either remove or modify the content.
- Use of Detection Tools: Employ tools like the Flashing Accessibility Toolkit to identify flashing elements that may pose a risk. These tools can help detect risky content before it reaches users.
- User Testing: Conduct user testing with accessibility-conscious groups to ensure no triggering content remains on the site. This helps verify that flashing stimuli are under control.
The Importance of Compliance with JIS X 8341-3:2016
Complying with this success criterion is essential for ensuring a safe web experience for users at risk of photosensitive seizures, including those with epilepsy. For organizations, it also demonstrates social responsibility. By preventing seizures through responsible design, websites can reach a wider audience and contribute to the creation of an inclusive digital society.
Conclusion
The “Prevention of Seizures” success criterion in JIS X 8341-3:2016 aims to minimize the risk of photosensitive seizures by controlling flashing lights and visual patterns. Web developers and site owners are responsible for following these guidelines and implementing specific measures to protect users. By doing so, they create a safer web environment where everyone can enjoy web content without fear of harm.
Implementing these strategies will significantly improve web accessibility and ensure a safe, enjoyable web experience for all users.
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