SC classifications

Assuming the Dec 7 version of this 
https://w3c.github.io/wcag21/guidelines/  is the correct and most up to 
date list, I'd like to get some clarity on why things have been classified 
as they are, and if/when we can address possible changes. To the degree 
that we can normalize the criteria within the POUR model, we should. (And 
I get that the model itself does not result in clear delineation.)

Identify Common Purpose - under Perceivable>Adaptable. I get the SC can be 
theoretically used to do adaptation, but it doesn't really fit with what 
is covered by the webaim Transformability topic. Surely its primary 
purpose is Understandable. Again, realizing this is webaim material not 
w3c, the topics on meaning seem perfectly aligned. Not a great fit in a 
subcategory... Readable, isn't horrible. Input Assistance is bang on for 
the input purposes.

Contextual Information - also under Perceivable>Adaptable. Same argument 
as Identify Common Purpose. Should be Understandable

Reflow - under Perceivable>Distinguishable. Seems to make more sense under 
Perceivable>Adaptable. The very title of the SC is something of an 
argument for this. I understand this is more of a subtle difference, but 
taking in all the criteria in these two subcategories, it seems to make 
more sense.

Text spacing - also under Perceivable>Distinguishable. Same argument as 
Reflow. The SC is about adapting the text. Seems to meet the short 
description of Adaptable: "presented in different ways (for example 
simpler layout) without losing information or structure." 

Content on Hover of Focus - also under Perceivable>Distinguishable. I get 
that the goal of this is to ensure everyone can take advantage of the 
content, but a dispassionate examination of the actual language of the SC 
suggests that it is dictating Operation. As a double-barrelled SC, it 
belongs under both Keyboard Accessible and Pointer Accessible. A pragmatic 
compromise may be to dump it under Navigable with some cross references or 
something.

Accessible Authentication - under Operable>Enough time.  Definitely agree 
it belongs under Operable, but since there is no time factor in the SC, it 
is a loose fit. There isn't really anywhere better. It could be possibly 
addressed by altering 2.6 from Additional Sensor Inputs to something more 
generic like Additional Modalities.

Animation from Interactions - under Operable>Enough time. Originally this 
had some timing factors in it, so was an 'okay' fit. But I think it much 
more appropriately belongs under Operable>Seizures. I'd also advocate the 
"Seizures" category be reworded and broadened, but I guess that would be a 
2.0 normative change and so is sacrosanct.

Character Key Shortcuts - under Operable>Navigable. I think this fits 
better under Operable>Keyboard Accessible. Yes, it is there because of 
voice control, but ultimately it's about an unambiguous keyboard 
affordance. If people buy into my Operable>Additional Modalities 
suggestion, it could also fit quite comfortably in there.

Label in Name - under Operable>Navigable. Makes more sense under the 
proposed Operable>Additional Modalities suggestion. Can actually clarify 
intent, just by being located there, as otherwise very unclear from from 
SC language alone what the intent is.

Most Pointer SCs (Gestures, Cancellation, Target Size) - fine as is 
except...

Concurrent Input Mechanims - under Operable>Pointer Accessible. Since this 
covers a whole lot more than pointer, it makes a lot more sense under 
Operable>Additional Modalities.

Status Changes - under Operable>Predictable. I think this actually makes 
more sense under Perceivable. Subcategory? Probably Distinguishable, or 
maybe Adaptable.

Cheers,
Michael Gower
IBM Accessibility
Research

1803 Douglas Street, Victoria, BC  V8T 5C3
gowerm@ca.ibm.com
voice: (250) 220-1146 * cel: (250) 661-0098 *  fax: (250) 220-8034