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Andrew Hick edited this page Oct 17, 2024 · 3 revisions

2.5.7 Dragging Movements

All functionality that uses a dragging movement for operation can be achieved by a single pointer without dragging, unless dragging is essential or the functionality is determined by the user agent and not modified by the author.

When this is applicable

When there is dragging functionality.

A dragging movement involves a continuous down press, pointer movement and release from a start point to an end point.

When the movement needs to follow a particular path through specific points, this is not considered a dragging movement and is covered under 2.5.1 Pointer Gestures.

Check there are alternatives to dragging

Look for components which are operated using a dragging action, for example:

  • sliders, such as those to adjust volume or video position
  • lists that can be reordered
  • sticky notes
  • carousels

If any functionality is triggered, check that an equivalent option exists which uses a single pointer input, for example:

  • pressing a series of buttons to reorder objects
  • text input - for example, typing a number to skip to part of a process. This is allowed as an alternative because text entry does not necessarily have to be done using a physical keyboard.

Exceptions

It's not a fail if:

  • dragging is essential to the functionality - this means that without the dragging, there's no other way to achieve the same outcome (examples of this might include a skill game, drawing app or hardware test)
  • the functionality is a browser default
  • functionality is built into the device, browser or assistive technology (for example, swiping right to read the next item)

Mobile app testing

No difference

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