Highlights of WCAG 3.0

[Approximate Reading Time : 4 mins]

The W3C has released the first draft of WCAG 3.0, marking the next big leap in accessibility. Anyone familiar with accessibility will know about the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), which is recognized worldwide today. WCAG 3.0 differs from this acronym, as the expansion is W3C Accessibility Guidelines.

WCAG 3.0 does not supersede the second series; it will not replace the current versions any time soon. Its conformance is separate.

What Is New?

The success criteria of the WCAG 2.0 series is a pass or fail system that denotes whether its guidelines have been met or not. In WCAG 3.0, they are now called outcomes with a rating score between 0 (poor) and 4 (excellent). The scores determine the accessibility of that application. This allows the application to conform to some level instead of failing the guideline.

There are three levels of compliance known as A, AA, and AAA. WCAG 3.0 has levels of Bronze, Silver, and Gold instead. They are not literally synonymous with their predecessors. Rather, for example, Bronze is similar to the level AA. Silver and Gold have not been fully disclosed in the draft, but they are “holistic tests” done by assistive technology and people with disabilities (PwD). An application must score 3.5 or above to comply at the Bronze level.

It is mandatory to have the noninterference requirements of the WCAG 2.0 series. This concept got an update in the new version as critical errors. There is zero tolerance for critical errors, and if any are present, the website scores, well, zero.

WCAG 3.0 has a broader scope to guide accessibility. It is more granular than the second series with testable statements, which makes it simpler. Conformance concentrates on the tasks, like filling a form or purchasing an item, not the web page. It also includes points that encourage the transition from WCAG 2.0 to WCAG 3.0.

Goals

• Easier understanding.
• Coverage of more user needs, with special importance to people with cognitive disabilities.
• Flexibility in addressing various types of web and app content, tools, and organizations.

Some Help from Influencers

The World Wide Web consortium is seeking help from evaluators, developers, designers, project managers, policymakers, PwD, and others on the following:

• Conformance of the draft
• Clarity and usefulness of its structure
• Specific questions and comments on the goals and parameters

This will provide insights into areas that require focus but were ignored in the previous versions. Influencers play a major hand in realizing accessibility, and their involvement is appreciated.

Filling gaps in WCAG 2.2 became more difficult and costly, which demanded a new version. This draft will be followed by others with improvements before the group starts developing the requirements. It is not recommended for use until a stabilized version is published. WCAG 3.0 will be the foundation for accessibility in a world that revolves around technology.

WCAG 3.0 is going to be out soon. Make your site conform to the latest accessibility standards by the Benetech-certified service provider Amnet. Request a callback now.

Sources
1. https://www.w3.org/WAI/standards-guidelines/wcag/wcag3-intro/.
2. https://www.deque.com/blog/first-public-working-draft-wcag-3/.
3. https://www.3playmedia.com/blog/wcag-3-draft/.