Why change?
The old skool WCAG 2x definition of a web page is not fit for purpose when WCAG is used to test non web user interfaces as it is, for example native apps it leads to suboptimal outcomes. There has been much work done in the past and in the present to define a view for conformance purposes. This effort is currently ongoing as part of W3C Accessibility Guidelines Working Group WCAG 3 work
The current WCAG 3 definition of view
Testing scope that includes all content visually and programmatically available without a significant change. Conceptually, views correspond to the definition of a web page as used in WCAG 2, but are not restricted to content meeting that definition. For example, a view could be considered a “screen” in a mobile app or a layer of web content, such as a modal dialog.
This definition is all a bit wooly.
Suggested definition
Conformance scope that includes all content visually and programmatically available without a change of context
I have tweaked the WCAG 2.2 definition of change of context and related definitions,
change of context
Major change in the content of the view that, if made without user awareness, can disorient users who are not able to view the entire view simultaneously
Changes in context include changes of:
- user agent;
- viewport;
- content that changes the meaning of the view.
A change of content is not always a change of context. Changes in content, such as an expanding outline, dynamic menu, opening a non-modal dialog, or a tab control do not necessarily change the context.
Example: Opening a new window, opening a modal dialog, going to a new view (including anything that would look to a user as if they had moved to a new view) or significantly re-arranging the content of a view are examples of changes of context.
viewport
object in which the user agent presents content
The user agent presents content through one or more viewports. Viewports include windows, frames, loudspeakers, and virtual magnifying glasses. A viewport may contain another viewport (e.g., nested frames). Interface components created by the user agent such as prompts, menus, and alerts are not viewports.
This definition is based on the WCAG 2.2 definition of viewport.
user agent
any software that presents content for users
Example: Web browsers, media players, plug-ins, and other programs or apps — including assistive technologies — that help in rendering, and interacting with content.
This definition is based on the WCAG 2.2 definition of user agent.
If you have comments on this please add them to this Discussion on defining view
There are some things WCAG that show no signs of age:
Transcript/lyrics
W-C-A-G, WCAG, I'm a cool DJ, SHARKY, SH-SH-SH-SHARKY Hey I'm going crazy with this cool beat, I have much better rythym since you installed that new quantizing program. I dance the electric boogie. Want to see it David? No Sharky, we've got to get going on this song, you can dance while I sing but don't pull yourself out of the wall socket again. We got a brand new specification it works with the tool of verification makes the accessible you know we made it testable WCAG, WCAG gonna make the web understandable make it perceivable write it tangible when its interoperable the web will be unstoppable WCAG, WCAG We wanna show you the WCAG We wanna show you what this world can be We wanna show you the WCAG It's not a heavy load to open up your code and write the WCAG, WCAG You know David, I saw a guy on TV say that he's the fastest rapper in the world, but I'm way faster, I blow him away, watch this Sharky raps at 250 words a minute I'm a cool DJ, Sharky, WCAG. I like techno geek music. How's that David, am I a cool rapper now? David: Sharky, I couldn't understand a word you said. Sharky: Most of my blind friends understand everything when I speak at that speed (slowly) Would you like me to speak really slow for you David? David: That's very funny, c'mon let's sing this verse together. We're gonna make the web a better place For every ability and every race Even if you're surfing from outer space you've got the WCAG, WCAG We wanna show you the WCAG We wanna show you what this world can be We wanna show you the WCAG It's not a heavy load to open up your code and write the WCAG, WCAG So let me tell you what the WCAG is And what the WCAG's not The WCAG is a set of tools Comes with a set of rules Help your web site come to life For people with other abilities And sensabilities So when they hit you online They can have a good time Don't matter if they're blind Or if they have to sign Or if their hands start to shake With every move they make Or if their minds get confused with what they want to do They can easily figure out What you are talking about When you follow the principles that we're gonna lay out Principle 1: Content must be Perceivable Principle 2: Interface elements in the content must by Operable Principle 3: Content and controls must be Understandable Principle 4: Content must be Robust, enough to work with current and future technologies We wanna show you the WCAG We wanna show you what this world can be We wanna show you the WCAG It's not a heavy load to open up your code and write the WCAG, WCAG Hey David, your music is much more funky since you moved out of the suburbs and started hanging out downtown on street corners. I like the other theme song but it sounded a bit too unplugged and I've never been crazy about an unplugged sound, I like techno geek music where computers do everything and humans don't play any instruments. I think it is a lot more organic when music is played buy genuine computers. When humans play it sounds so unemotionable and fake. David: We'll that's just because you're a bunch of ones and zeros there big guy. Sharky: David, that was very mean of you to say that, you know I've always been very sensitive out my binary genetic coding. It's always been a source of great emotional insecurity for me. David: Oh, c'mon Sharky, you know I love you man, and besides, you are an awesome rapper, man you should go into American Idol. Sharky: I'm going to be a star, I can see the headlines now, Sharky wins American Idol for people with disabilities.
2 replies on “WCAG 3 a change of context”
Acknowledging that you’re talking about WCAG3, these definitions may work for “change of context”, but I’m uncertain they’ll work across the spectrum of success criteria.
In the MATF, we’re currently unravelling the wording in WCAG 2 to define terms for use in mobile environments (WCAG2Mobile). Our related discussions are here:
https://github.com/w3c/matf/issues/11
Terms like “web page” or “page” make less sense in native mobile (and other non-Web) environments, and “viewport” doesn’t seem right. For example, for “Language of page” the subject is the content itself rather than the object in which the user agent presents content.
A “view” also doesn’t seem the right fit, since views make up parts of the overall content, in native mobile environments at least. To me at least, neither a “page” nor a “view” makes as much sense as a “screen” in a native mobile app.
I like the intentions here but I don’t love redefining change of context to remove changes of focus.
This is partly motivated by some products I’ve tested where they’re jumping focus around when you choose a radio button or a select option. I’ve flagged them under 3.2.2 On Input, which relies on the change of context definition. But I’ll admit I haven’t been following WCAG 3 closely so maybe there’s a future WCAG 3 requirement that would cover this situation differently.