Level AWCAG 2.2

2.4.4 Link Purpose (In Context)

The purpose of each link can be determined from the link text alone or from its context.

Why it matters

Screen readers
When listing all links on a page, a row of 'here' links is indistinguishable.
Cognitive disabilities
When a link's purpose is clear, users can predict the destination before clicking, reducing anxiety.
Voice control
Voice users say 'click the X link', so link text needs to be specific.
Low vision
With magnification, context around a link may not be visible. The link text alone must convey its purpose.

Live demo

Link text comparison

Check how the links appear when a screen reader opens its list of links.

A new smartphone has been released. here
A promotion is now live. For more information, details
Please review the terms of service. here
For support, click here
Screen reader link list:
Link: "here"
Link: "details"
Link: "here"
Link: "click here"
Two links both say "here"... you cannot tell where either one goes
Screen reader users often review a page through a list of links. Phrases like "here" or "details" do not communicate the destination without surrounding context.

Understanding through personas

Nakamura (45) — Totally blind

I check links using the screen reader's link list, but when five 'here' or 'details' entries appear in a row, I have to check each one in context, which is very time-consuming.

Checkpoints

References