Robust
WCAG 4.1.3
Status Messages
Dynamic status updates (search results count, form success, loading) must be announced without moving focus. Use role='status' or aria-live='polite'.
In plain terms
Updates like 'message sent' or '3 results found' must be announced to screen-reader users, even when nothing visibly moves.
Why this matters
Sighted users see 'Added to cart' or '3 results' appear. Screen-reader users get nothing unless the update is announced — so they don't know their action worked or that the page changed.
How to detect
Quick check
Trigger dynamic updates (search, add-to-cart, form save) with a screen reader running. Is the change announced without focus moving? If silent, it needs role='status' or an aria-live region.