Inappropriate Obselete Elements For Visual Presentation Check

Description

The “Inappropriate Obselete Elements For Visual Presentation Check” evaluates whether there is any obselete element used to control page presentation.

Example outcome

I found 1 obsolete element used to control the visual presentation.

Impact

• Visual Impairments: Screen readers rely on semantic structure to interpret the document. If <table> is used purely for layout, it may be read as a data table, confusing the user.
• Motor Impairments: Obsolete structures often lack keyboard navigability or logical tab order. CSS-based layouts are more predictable and navigable for alternative input devices.
• Cognitive Disabilities: Layout inconsistencies and lack of logical structure can increase cognitive load. Non-semantic structures can interfere with reading comprehension tools.

Fixes

To address obselete elements inappropriately used to control visual presentation:

1. Locate the inappropriate obselete elements.
2. Remove the element from the HTML code.
3. Add semantic HTML elements and CSS code to create the same visual appearance.

Resources

• WCAG 2.2: Understanding Success Criteria 1.3.1
• WCAG 2.2 Techniques: Technique G115: Using semantic elements to mark up structure
• WebAIM: Semantic Structure: Regions, Headings, and Lists