The Unsung Hero of Accessibility: Screen Tips That Actually Help

In the world of inclusive digital design, screen tips (also called tooltips or help text) are like stagehands in a theater, often invisible but essential for a smooth experience. When used right, they improve usability for everyone. When ignored or implemented poorly, they can completely block access for users relying on keyboards or screen readers.

Let’s explore why screen tips matter, how to get them right, and where they often go wrong.

What Are Screen Tips?

Screen tips are small text bubbles that appear when you hover over or focus on an element, offering extra guidance or clarification. Think of them as gentle nudges — they do not shout, but they help users avoid mistakes, especially in forms and interfaces with unfamiliar icons or input requirements.

For example:

• A form label that says "CVV" might have a screen tip that says: “3-digit code at the back of your card.”

• A calendar icon button might include a screen tip: “Open date picker.”

Why Are Screen Tips Critical for Accessibility?

For many users, especially those who are:

• New to a process (like filling out a tax form),

• Using assistive technologies like screen readers or magnifiers,

• Navigating via keyboard only (without a mouse),

…screen tips provide the missing context they need to succeed. Without them, you leave people guessing.

Implementing Screen Tips in Code (the Right Way)

Let’s talk basics. Here’s what screen tips need to be useful and accessible:

1. Use aria-label or aria-describedby for icons

If you have an icon-only button (like a trash bin), use aria-label="Delete" so screen readers can announce its function.

<button aria-label="Delete file">

  <svg>...</svg>

</button>

2. For tooltips, associate text using aria-describedby

This connects the main element with the tooltip content.

<input id="email" aria-describedby="emailTip" />

<div id="emailTip" class="tooltip">We’ll never share your email.</div>

3. Avoid using title attributes as the only method

The title attribute only shows on hover and is not consistently read by screen readers. It is not accessible on mobile or for keyboard-only users.

Real-World Example: A Checkout Form

Let’s say you are designing a billing form with a field labeled “Security Code.”

Inefficient and ineffective code example:

<input type="text" name="cvv" title="3-digit number on the back" />

A much better way of writing the code:

<label for="cvv">Security Code</label>

<input type="text" id="cvv" aria-describedby="cvvTip" />

<div id="cvvTip">3-digit number found on the back of your card.</div>

With this code,

• A keyboard user can tab to the field and read the tip.

• A screen reader user hears the extra help automatically.

• A mouse user could still see a visual tooltip on hover, if you style it accordingly.

How Should Screen Tips Behave?

Here’s the gold standard for behavior across user types:

For keyboard users:

• Tips should appear when the user tabs into the field (focus state).

• Tips should not block or overlay important content.

For screen reader users:

• Tips should be automatically read if important, or easily reachable via ARIA attributes.

• Avoid relying on hover or title alone — they won’t be read consistently.

For all users:

• Keep the language simple and concise.

• Do not overwhelm users with paragraphs of help text — short and clear wins.

Final Thoughts: Small Feature, Big Impact

Screen tips might seem like a small design detail, but they shape a user’s entire journey — especially for those who are not navigating with a mouse or do not have full vision.

Accessible screen tips are not just good UX. They are respectful, inclusive, and often the key difference between a smooth experience and a confusing one.

Need help reviewing or improving your tooltips and help content?

At ElevateX Labs, we specialize in making digital experiences that are intuitive and accessible for all users. Contact us to learn more.