What is a "unique screen"?

A unique screen is a distinct page template or interface that features its own specific combination of layout, interactive elements, and content. In our audits, if multiple pages share the same design and functionality, they count as one unique screen. If you're in development you might be familiar with "code coverage" - this is essentially the same concept.

The definition of a unique screen is rooted in the WCAG Evaluation Methodology’s guidance, which encourages scoping assessments based on types of screens rather than every individual page.

Key Points:

• Distinct Layout & Structure: A unique screen has a specific arrangement of headers, footers, navigation, and content areas that is not repeated verbatim across the site. For example, a login page, a product listing page, or a user dashboard have a unique layout and structure.

• Unique Interactive Elements: Screens that incorporate different forms, buttons, menus, or other interactive elements are considered unique if these elements influence the overall user experience and accessibility requirements.

• Content Arrangement: Even if several pages share similar content types, if they are rendered by the same underlying template or framework (i.e., they differ only by their data rather than their structure), they are counted as a single unique screen.

By focusing on unique screens, we ensure our accessibility audit covers the full range of user interactions and potential accessibility barriers without redundant evaluations. This approach aligns with best practices outlined in the WCAG Evaluation Methodology and streamlines the audit process by targeting distinct user experiences across your digital property.