G15: Using a tool to ensure that content does not violate the general flash threshold or red flash threshold | WAI | W3C Skip to content

Technique G15:Using a tool to ensure that content does not violate the general flash threshold or red flash threshold

About this Technique

This technique relates to 2.3.1: Three Flashes or Below Threshold (Sufficient).

This technique applies to any technology.

Description

The purpose of testing for violations of the general and red flash thresholds is to allow people who have photosensitive seizures to view Web sites without encountering material that is likely to cause a seizure. Warnings can be provided but people may miss them and children may not be able to read or understand them. With this technique all material is checked and if it violates flash or red flash thresholds it is either not put on the site or it is modified so that it does not violate the thresholds.

Note

There are some simple tests that can be run for particular simple types of flashing. For example:

  • If material flashes 3 times per second or less then the simple test in G19 can be used.
  • If material flashes in only one place on screen at a time and is quite small then the simple test in technique G176 can be used.

For all other types, a tool is needed to keep track of all the factors and apply them to the video on a time-continuous basis.

Examples

  • An animation of a thunderstorm shows six flashes of lightning. The flashes are so fast and large that the general flash threshold is violated when tested with a flash analysis tool. The animation is modified to create a short pause after each pair of lightning flashes. After the changes are made, the animation does not violate the general flash threshold.

Related Resources

No endorsement implied.

Tests

Procedure

Check to see to see that content does not violate the general flash and/or red flash threshold

  1. use a tool to determine that neither the General Flash nor Red Flash threshold were exceeded

Expected Results

  • Check #1 is true.
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