Re: [input requested] 3.4.2 Step 4.b: Use WCAG 2.0 Techniques Where Possible (Optional)

Hi,

Section 3.4.2 (step 4b) is part of the actual evaluation (testing) of the 
selected pages/sections of the web-site.
In effect we are saying that if the designer has used "applicable WCAG 2.0 
techniques" *correctly* then that is sufficient for the evaluator to say 
that the particular success criteria has been met. For example; if all the 
<img> elements contain an alt="value" attribute with appropriate values, 
(G94) - then, that in itself, is sufficient to claim conformance with 
Guideline 1.1 for those images. The evaluator does not need to do any 
further testing on this issue. Bear in mind that if a technique is not used 
it does not automatically mean a failure - there may be another method which 
would need to be tested to see if it works in all situations. The important 
thing is that, *if* the appropriate WCAG techniques has been correctly 
applied, then there is no need for further testing because WCAG has already 
done all the required testing.

I suggest that the title of the proposed rewrite be made clearer as given 
below.

Current text:-
3.4.2 Step 4.b: Use WCAG 2.0 Techniques Where Possible (Optional)
Methodology Requirement 4.b: Where possible, use applicable WCAG 2.0 
techniques to demonstrate successes and failures in meeting the WCAG 2.0 
Success Criteria relevant per 3.1.3 Step 1.c: Define the Conformance Target.

Proposed text:-
3.4.2 Step 4.b: Identify the use of appropriate WCAG 2.0 Techniques Where 
Possible (Optional)
Methodology Requirement 4.b: Where possible, identify the correct use of 
applicable WCAG 2.0 techniques to demonstrate successes in meeting the WCAG 
2.0 Success Criteria relevant per 3.1.3 Step 1.c: Define the Conformance 
Target.


Regards

Richard

-----Original Message----- 
From: Shadi Abou-Zahra
Sent: Wednesday, September 12, 2012 9:22 PM
To: WCAG WG ; Eval TF
Subject: [input requested] 3.4.2 Step 4.b: Use WCAG 2.0 Techniques Where 
Possible (Optional)

Dear WCAG WG, Eval TF,

We currently have one comment open for discussion, on section 3.4.2 Step
4.b: Use WCAG 2.0 Techniques Where Possible (Optional).

Attached are suggested edits by Gregg Vanderheiden (Document1.doc) and
the proposed rewrite in response (Step4b_SAZ2.odc) which also contains
important discussion in the commentary.

Your input on this is needed. Basically we need to be accurate and avoid
potential misunderstandings. On the other hand, we also need to offer
real guidance that is also easy to understand and follow.

Regards,
   Shadi

-- 
Shadi Abou-Zahra - http://www.w3.org/People/shadi/
Activity Lead, W3C/WAI International Program Office
Evaluation and Repair Tools Working Group (ERT WG)
Research and Development Working Group (RDWG)

Received on Thursday, 13 September 2012 00:10:23 UTC