Comment on use of the word "essential" in exception for 1.4.11

Hey Alastair,

I volunteered to work on a WCAG 2.1 comment/issue in github.  Specifically
this one:  Andrew Kirkpatrick entered an issue in github based on a post
made by Scott Hollier (concerns about the loophole of "essential").  You
can see the issue here https://github.com/w3c/wcag21/issues/150

I've been chatting with Scott Hollier about his confusion and ideas for
improving the understandability of 1.4.11 Graphics Contrast.

Scott raised the following point:  The SC refers to "essential" but then
turns around and has 'Essential" as an exception.  This double use of the
word "essential" is confusing and at first may seem contradictory (to a
newbie trying to understand it).  Scott worried that the "Essential"
exception would become a GIANT loophole...that would allow all graphics to
be exempt from the graphic contrast requirement.
Success Criterion 1.4.11 Graphics Contrast

The visual presentation of graphical objects that are essential for
understanding the content or functionality have a contrast ratio
<https://www.w3.org/TR/WCAG21/#dfn-contrast-ratio> of at least 4.5:1
against the adjacent color(s), except for the following:

   *Thicker* - For graphical objects with a minimum width and height of at
   least 3 CSS pixels, the graphic has a contrast ratio of at least 3:1;


   *Sensory* - Non-text content that is primarily intended to create a
   visual sensory experience has no contrast requirement;


   *Logotypes* - Graphics that are part of a logo or brand name have no
   minimum contrast requirement;


   *Essential* - A particular presentation of the graphical is essential to
   the information being conveyed.

Based on Scott's questions/comments....I have a suggestion for you to
consider.  Would it be worthwhile (make it more understandable) to change
the wording of the Essential exception from:

   - *Essential:* A particular presentation of the graphical is essential
   to the information being conveyed.

to:

   - *Essential Graphical Presentation Exception* - A particular
   presentation of the graphical is essential to the information being
   conveyed and cannot be achieved in another way that would conform.


Or something along those lines?Just a thought,G
glenda sims  |   team a11y lead   |    deque.com    |    512.963.3773
*web for everyone. web on everything.* -  w3 goals

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