Hidden content refers to elements on a webpage that are visually concealed but remain accessible to assistive technologies like screen readers, or that are hidden for functional reasons, such as progressive disclosure or interactive widgets.
Why Hide Content?
Not all content needs to be visible at all times. Hiding content strategically helps:
- Minimize cognitive overload: Users aren’t bombarded with unnecessary information right away.
- Improve navigation: Screen readers and keyboard users can focus on relevant content without distractions.
- Improve performance: Load content only when needed to speed up page rendering and improve overall website performance.
Common examples include collapsible accordions, tooltips, modal dialogs, and skip links.
Who Benefits from Hidden Content?
Hidden content can genuinely improve user experience for everyone:
- General users: Progressive disclosure keeps interfaces clean, letting users focus on primary tasks.
- Users with disabilities: Screen reader users, keyboard-only navigators, and those who rely on assistive technologies can access hidden information when needed.
- Developers and designers: Properly hiding content ensures consistent behavior throughout devices and platforms without sacrificing accessibility.
Best Practices and WCAG Compliance
To make hidden content accessible, the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) provide clear guidance:
Use semantic HTML
Elements like <details> and <summary> can hide content while keeping it accessible. They can be used to create progressive disclosures or accordions.
Disclosures and accordions created using <details> and <summary> have built-in accessibility. The <summary> element behaves like a button, and its expanded state (open or closed) is conveyed to assistive technologies. ~ WebAIM
Note: Issues will occur if you add additional elements or scripting to <details> and <summary>. Read Disclosures and Accordions, from WebAIM for more details and guidance on proper implementation.
Use ARIA appropriately
Use the aria-hidden attribute sparingly, and only when it enhances the experience for users of assistive technologies by hiding content that’s repetitive or unnecessary.
Do not use aria-hidden="true" on elements that can receive focus, nor the parent of a focusable element. If content is visually hidden, it shouldn’t be focusable or exposed to screen readers unless a user action, like opening a menu or modal, intentionally reveals it.
A Simple Mental Model - courtesy of the University of Washington’s article titled Understanding ARIA Hidden Elements and Accessibility Barriers.
- If it’s aria-hidden, it should be non-interactive.
- If it’s interactive, it should not be aria-hidden.
Avoid purely visual hiding
Hiding content with display: none or visibility: hidden removes it entirely from assistive technologies.
Remember: Anything concealed from sighted users should also be hidden from assistive technologies, so both experiences stay aligned.
When implemented properly, hidden content balances clean design with inclusive access. It makes sure that users, regardless of ability, can access the information they need when they need it. By complying with WCAG standards for hidden content, developers and designers create interfaces that are truly user-centric.
Resources
- ARIA: aria-hidden attribute
- Hiding and exposing content on hover or focus
- A11y Tip of the Week: Hiding content the right way (LinkedIn)
- Avoid focusable elements inside aria-hidden containers
- Hidden content must not be read or focused when not visible
- CSS in Action: Invisible Content Just for Screen Reader Users
- Relevant WCAG success criteria:
- 1.3.1 Info and Relationships: Hidden content must maintain proper semantic relationships so that assistive technology can interpret it correctly.
- 2.4.3 Focus Order and 2.4.7 Focus Visible: When content becomes visible, keyboard focus should follow logical order and be perceivable.
- 4.1.2 Name, Role, Value: All interactive elements must expose their accessible name, role, and state to assistive technologies.
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