Level A
For each time limit that is set by the content, at least one of the following is true:
- Turn off: The user is allowed to turn off the time limit before encountering it; or
- Adjust: The user is allowed to adjust the time limit before encountering it over a wide range that is at least ten times the length of the default setting; or
- Extend: The user is warned before time expires and given at least 20 seconds to extend the time limit with a simple action (for example, “press the space bar”), and the user is allowed to extend the time limit at least ten times; or
- Real-time Exception: The time limit is a required part of a real-time event (for example, an auction), and no alternative to the time limit is possible; or
- Essential Exception: The time limit is essential and extending it would invalidate the activity; or
- 20 Hour Exception: The time limit is longer than 20 hours.>
Explanation
When a time limit of fewer than 20 hours is set, it must be possible for someone to change the length of the limit before it starts, delay it up to 10 times, or turn it off completely. This means that people who need more time to complete tasks are able to do so without unnecessary stress or anxiety.
Responsibilities
- Design
- Development
- QA
Requirements
- A mechanism is provided to let users turn off time limits that are not there for security reasons;
- A mechanism is provided to let users increase the length of the time limit by at least 10 times its original length;
- A warning is given to users at least 20 seconds before a time limit expires, and a mechanism for delaying the limit up to 10 times is provided;
- A mechanism is available to let users turn off, delay or extend time limits.