All WCAG criteria
WCAG 2.3.1 · OperableLevel A
2.3.1Three Flashes or Below Threshold
Content must not flash more than three times in any one-second period (to avoid triggering photosensitive seizures).
Common failures
Patterns that fail this criterion.
- 01Strobe-effect promotional banners
- 02Rapidly blinking notification badges
How to test
Testing approach: manual.
Manual or use the PEAT tool (Photosensitive Epilepsy Analysis Tool).
How to fix
Remediation steps.
- 1
Limit flashing
No more than 3 flashes per second. If unsure, slower is safer.
- 2
Avoid strobe effects entirely
They rarely add UX value worth the seizure risk.
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