3.2.4 - Consistent identification

The intent of this success criterion is to ensure consistent identification of functional components that appear repeatedly within a set of web pages. A strategy that people who use screen readers use when operating a web site is to rely heavily on their familiarity with functions that may appear on different web pages. If identical functions have different labels on different web pages, the site will be considerably more difficult to use. It may also be confusing and increase the cognitive load for people with cognitive limitations. Therefore, consistent labeling will help.

Ensure that components which have the same functionality within a set of web pages are identified consistently such as labels on form fields, buttons, alt tags on linking images, etc.

For example, magnifying glass icon has same functionality across web pages (denotes search), ensure that text alternatives are consistent as well.