Don't hide then reveal alerts

dont-hide-then-reveal-alerts

Don’t hide-then-reveal alerts in the DOM — older AT can still perceive visually hidden messages that are not currently applicable.

Description

USWDS warns against hide-then-reveal alerts in the DOM because older assistive technology can still perceive visually hidden messages that are not currently applicable. Inapplicable alerts should not remain visually hidden waiting to be “revealed.” Keep only applicable alerts in the DOM; remove or omit the others rather than toggling visibility alone so AT users are not flooded with stale warnings.

When to use

Managing alert presence for screen-reader-safe show and hide behavior.

Not when

Alerts that are currently applicable and meant to be perceived.

Agent hint

Remove inapplicable alerts from the DOM; do not park them visually hidden for later.

Pass

Inapplicable alerts are not left visually hidden in the DOM.

Fail

Alerts stay in the DOM as visually hidden until “revealed.”

Citations

USWDS — Alert

https://designsystem.digital.gov/components/alert/