Table of contents
Users should be able to complete tasks without unexpected changes in content or context that are a result of a time limit.
What you need to know
There are exceptions to the requirement of turning off time limits:
- The time limit is essential (e.g. buying tickets online) and extending it would invalidate the activity.
- The time limit is part of a real-time event (e.g. Ebay auction) and no alternative is possible.
- The time limit is longer than 20 hours.
For any time limit on a website a user must have one of the following options:
- Ability to turn off time limit.
- Ability to adjust time limit to at least 10x the default setting.
- After a warning of time limit expiration, given at least 20 seconds to to extend time limit at least 10x.
What you need to do
- Avoid time limits wherever possible.
- If you have a time limit, provide options to turn off, adjust, and/or extend the time.
- If a time limit is necessary, provide the ability to adjust or extend it unless you meet an exception above.
Related Resource
Providing Accessible Time Limits from the University of Washington.
