Broken Link
Critical - WCAG Level A
A broken link is a hyperlink that points to a non-existent or incorrect URL, resulting in an error page when clicked. This issue can significantly impact the user experience, especially for users with disabilities. For instance, screen reader users may become disoriented if they encounter a broken link, as they rely heavily on the context and content provided by links to navigate effectively. Similarly, keyboard-only users may find it frustrating to follow a link that leads nowhere, disrupting their navigation flow.
To fix this issue:
When creating links, ensure that the URLs are absolute or correctly relative, and double-check them for typos or errors.
If a linked page is temporarily unavailable, consider providing an alternative path or a helpful error message to guide users.
Best practices:Use descriptive link text that clearly indicates the destination or purpose of the link, which benefits all users, including those using assistive technologies.
Avoid using generic link text like "click here" or "read more," as these do not provide enough context.