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OOTB Core Form Fields Not WCAG 2.1 AA Compliant

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Level 1

10/3/25

Request for Feature Enhancement (RFE) Summary: Our accessibility audit shows WCAG 2.1 AA violations when using placeholders alongside ARIA labelling on Core Form Fields
Use-case: Using Adobe Core Form Fields, with ootb configuration "Display help message as placeholder” 
Example:  on page https://www.sunstargum.com/gb-en/about-us/contact-us.html
Current/Experienced Behavior: 1. **Accessible name vs description conflict**
- Inputs with `placeholder` + `aria-describedby` or visible `<label>` lead to inconsistent accessible name computation. Placeholder either doesn’t get announced (e.g., JAWS, NVDA), or is dropped in favor of description text, making it unreliable :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}.
- Relying on placeholder as label fails WCAG 2.1 AA: contrast (1.4.3), persistent visible labels (2.4.6, 3.3.2), Name, Role, Value (4.1.2) :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}.

2. **Placeholder distractions**
- Placeholder text disappears once typing starts—users lose helpful context :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}.
- Placeholder is low‑contrast by default, often failing 4.5:1 contrast ratios :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}.

3. **ARIA mismatch with core component settings**
- Enabling “Display help message as placeholder” fails to update `aria-describedby` reference, pointing at nonexistent elements and breaking description linkage :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}.
Improved/Expected Behavior: Required compliance behaviour:
• Inputs need clear programmatically associated `<label>` and persistently visible title.
• Use `aria-describedby` for help text only—description must remain tied to a valid element.
• Placeholders can provide examples, *never* replace labels, and should not disrupt ARIA structure.
Environment Details (AEM version/service pack, any other specifics if applicable): AEM Release 2025.9.22450.20250911T131210Z
Customer-name/Organization name: Sunstar Suisse  SA
Screenshot (if applicable): Juliayaz1_0-1759479336396.png

 

Code package (if applicable):