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Operable WCAG 2.5.1

Pointer Gestures

Anything that uses a complex gesture — pinch-to-zoom, swipe along a path, two-finger rotate — must also work with a single tap or click. Maps, sliders, and carousels are common offenders. Affects people who can't make precise movements.

In plain terms

Anything needing a complex gesture — pinch, or swipe along a path — must also work with a single tap, for people who can't do fiddly movements.

Why this matters

Path-based or multi-finger gestures — swipe-along, pinch, two-finger rotate — are impossible for many people using a switch, head pointer, or single finger. They need a plain single-tap alternative.

How to detect

Quick check

List every gesture-driven feature (maps, sliders, swipe carousels). Can each be operated with a single tap or click instead? If a complex gesture is the only way, it fails.