RE: “UAAG 2.0 Conformance Applicability Notes" and the distinction between informative and normative material

I can see now that there is an indication that “The guidelines, success criteria, their notes, and the conformance applicability notes are normative<http://www.w3.org/TR/UAAG20/#def-normative>.”  So, yes, it appears that the conformance applicability notes were intended to be normative.

However, I think that we should reduce and preferably eliminate redundancy across normative parts of the document.  Otherwise you end up with two or more somewhat different expressions of the normative specification.  Currently some of the “normative” applicability notes re-state, in somewhat other words, material that is already found in other normative parts (e.g., the conformance section).  I think that there is a desire to have key aspects of conformance highlighted or summarized early the document, but my inclination would be to have it informative (non-normative).

I would, further, suggest putting the any true applicability notes (i.e., indicating conductions under which a success criterion may not apply) in the conformance section.  Thus, the introductory material about conformance be informative but would refer to normative material, as I have suggested below.  Thus, I think that the suggestion below is basically sound.

By the way, I would probably add to the non-normative introductory section on conformance what is currently found somewhat earlier in the document – the section called “Levels of Conformance,” because it pertains so directly to conformance.

From: Richards, Jan [mailto:jrichards@ocadu.ca]
Sent: Thursday, December 18, 2014 9:41 AM
To: Hansen, Eric G; w3c-wai-ua@w3.org
Subject: RE: “UAAG 2.0 Conformance Applicability Notes" and the distinction between informative and normative material

Hi Eric,

I had always considered the applicability notes (http://www.w3.org/TR/UAAG20/#applicability-notes) to be normative, like the WCAG 2.0 Conformance requirements (http://www.w3.org/TR/WCAG20/#conformance-reqs).

Cheers,
Jan


(MR) JAN RICHARDS

PROJECT MANAGER

INCLUSIVE DESIGN RESEARCH CENTRE (IDRC)

OCAD UNIVERSITY



T 416 977 6000 x3957

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E jrichards@ocadu.ca<mailto:jrichards@ocadu.ca?Subject=Re%3A%20AUWG%20Teleconference%20for%2017%20March%202014%20%28Boston%20time%20has%20changed%20-%20%20please%20re-check%20time%29&In-Reply-To=%3C0B1EB1C972BCB740B522ACBCD5F48DEB012E4B50AC%40ocadmail-maildb.ocad.ca%3E&References=%3C0B1EB1C972BCB740B522ACBCD5F48DEB012E4B50AC%40ocadmail-maildb.ocad.ca%3E>

________________________________
From: Hansen, Eric G [ehansen@ETS.ORG]
Sent: December-17-14 5:32 PM
To: w3c-wai-ua@w3.org<mailto:w3c-wai-ua@w3.org>
Subject: “UAAG 2.0 Conformance Applicability Notes" and the distinction between informative and normative material
In our last meeting indicated that I would suggest language that might be used to make clear that the “UAAG 2.0 Conformance Applicability Notes” themselves are informative rather than normative.   That section does not currently seem to make that clear.

Below is an example, of what might replace the “UAAG 2.0 Conformance Applicability Notes,” which is in the introduction to UAAG.  As you can see below, in this informative section there are abundant references to normative material.

Section: An Introduction for UAAG 2.0 Conformance:

This informative (i.e., non-normative) section highlights some key aspects of UAAG 2.0 conformance.  For more definitive guidance, consult the normative sections of the document (e.g., conformance section, glossary, and success criteria).

Targeted User Agents. Consistent with the glossary entry for “user agent,” this document is targeted at user agents (e.g., browsers, media players) that have broad (as opposed to limited data sets, such as [software M]).

Platforms and Add-ons to Fulfill Success Criteria. As described in [part of the conformance section], user agents can rely not only on their own internal facilities, but may also rely on platforms and add-ons to fulfill success criteria.

Applicability of Success Criteria. As documented in sections A, B, and C of the conformance section, some success criteria may be considered not applicable.  For example, [state an example]. Success criteria that are not applicable do not impede conformance.

Other Conformance Highlights. [This optional section could summarize other highlights but, if present, should refer to normative material elsewhere]


Eric G. Hansen
Research Scientist
Center for Validity Research, MS 10R
Educational Testing Service
Princeton, NJ 08541
609-734-5615
For more resources see:
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