Bug 79: Definition List Misused (F91)

WCAG 1.3.1 (Info & Relationships) | Definition list used incorrectly for non-definition content.

Failure F91: Using DL for Dialog/Conversation

Chat or dialog incorrectly marked as definition list:

User:
Hi, how can I help you?
Customer:
I have a question about my order.
User:
I'd be happy to assist. What's your order number?
Customer:
It's #12345.

Issue: This is not term-definition pairs. DL semantically means each DT has one or more DD definitions. This dialog structure is misleading to screen readers.

Failure F91: DL Used for Key-Value Pairs (Non-Definition)

Product details table-like structure using DL:

SKU:
12345-67
Color:
Blue
Size:
Medium
Price:
$49.99
Stock:
In stock

Issue: While similar to definitions (term: value), this is product metadata. Better as table or description list, not DL.

Failure F91: Multiple DD for Single DT (Correct DL Usage)

This IS valid DL usage (term with multiple definitions):

Accessibility
The quality of being accessible; able to be easily reached, entered, used, understood, or appreciated.
In web design, the practice of making websites usable by everyone.
ARIA
Accessible Rich Internet Applications, a set of roles and attributes for HTML elements.
Provides semantics for assistive technologies to properly interpret custom components.

This is correct! But different from previous examples which weren't definition content.

Failure F91: DL with No DD (Orphaned DT)
Feature 1: Advanced Search
Feature 2: Dark Mode
Feature 3: Custom Themes
Feature 4: Offline Mode

Issue: All DT, no DD. These are just list items, not term-definition pairs.

<!-- Should be: --> <ul> <li>Feature 1: Advanced Search</li> <li>Feature 2: Dark Mode</li> </ul>
Failure F91: DL vs Table Semantics

When to use DL vs TABLE:

  • Use DL: Term with definition/explanation (glossary, acronyms)
  • Use TABLE: Structured data with multiple columns/rows
  • Use UL/OL: Simple lists, key-value pairs that aren't definitions
HAL Fixes: HAL detects definition lists and validates they contain actual term-definition pairs. If not, HAL converts to appropriate structure (UL, OL, or table). HAL ensures each DT has at least one DD. HAL may add aria-label to clarify DL purpose if needed.