Perspective

I don't have enough time

A time limit expires before a person can comfortably perceive, understand or complete the task.

People do not interact at one standard speed.

Interface demands

• Timing
• Processing speed
• Attention

These describe what the interface requires from the person in this barrier. They are not disability categories and do not imply that everyone affected has the same experience.

What happens

A session expires, content advances, a code times out, or a task must be completed within a fixed period that the person cannot reasonably control.

Why it matters

Reading, entering information, navigating with assistive technology, managing interruptions or processing instructions can take different amounts of time.

How to test it

Identify every time limit in a flow, including authentication and session behaviour. Determine whether the limit is essential and whether the user can turn it off, adjust it or extend it with adequate warning. Test what happens to entered work when time expires.

Can automation detect it?

Usually not reliably. Timing behaviour is contextual and often requires observation over time and understanding of the task.

Relevant WCAG

This commonly relates to 2.2.1 Timing Adjustable. Other timing criteria may apply to moving or updating content and interruptions.

What a pass does not prove

An extension button does not prove the warning is perceivable, the extension is long enough, or the person keeps their entered work.