Navigating the Future of Web Accessibility: The Transition from WCAG 2.2 to WCAG 3.0

As a practitioner I keenly followed the introduction of the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, observing the changes through versions 1 to 2, and the regulatory requirements put forwards by the Public Sector Bodies Accessibility Regulations (UK Government, 2018). This made creating a parallel to the WCAG 3.0 for informativeness of content a natural fit for my PhD research, drafting the Informative Web Content Guidelines (Muirhead, 2022).

Background

The new version of WCAG 3.0 (codenamed Silver) provides a large transition, encompassing a wider range of use cases and accessibility accommodations, with the aim to create a more cohesive digital experience for all. Whilst the current post-Brexit regulations have modified the previous EU-based law to require using the latest published version of the WCAG guidelines rather than a specific names version (UK Government, 2022), public sector services are not expected to fully comply until October 2024 (Cox and GDS, 2024). Given the change in regulations, it is fully expected that publicly-funded bodies in the UK will have to comply with WCAG 3.0 once it is published in a couple of years time, with a suitable transition period.

Why a new version?

It is standard practice in software development to release a new major version when large updates are made. The latest draft of WCAG 3.0 (W3C, 2024) represents a huge shift in the guidelines, reflecting the fluidity of the modern web. Even the name has been changed to the W3C Accessibility Guidelines, moving the focus away from purely web-based experiences. Whilst the current UK regulations have applied to both web and mobile experiences, this was not been the intention of earlier versions that focused purely on browser-based accessibility.

Transitioning from WCAG 2.2 to WCAG 3.0 will present numerous challenges for practitioners, rooted in significant changes to structure, scope, flexibility, evaluation methods, and inclusivity. Each of these changes demands a substantial shift in approach and mindset, and adapting to them requires comprehensive understanding and ongoing commitment.

Structure and Organisation

WCAG 2.2 (W3C, 2023) follows a traditional, principle-based structure centred around four principles: Perceivable, Operable, Understandable, and Robust (POUR). Each principle encompasses guidelines that are further broken down into specific, testable success criteria, which are categorised into three levels of conformance: A, AA, and AAA. This clear, hierarchical structure has been effective in providing a consistent framework for web accessibility.

In contrast, WCAG 3.0 adopts a more flexible, outcome-based structure. Instead of rigid success criteria, it focuses on user-centred outcomes supported by guidelines and methods. Outcomes are rated on a scale, reflecting varying degrees of accessibility. This new framework is designed to be more adaptable to different contexts and technologies, but it requires practitioners to shift from a purely technical focus to one that emphasises user experience and practical implementation. This transition necessitates learning and applying new methods, making the adjustment period potentially challenging.

Scope and Coverage

The scope of WCAG 2.2 is primarily confined to web content, ensuring websites and web applications are accessible. It includes updates to address mobile accessibility and cognitive disabilities, but its focus remains largely on traditional web environments.

WCAG 3.0, however, broadens its scope significantly to include a diverse range of digital content, such as mobile applications, virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and Internet of Things (IoT) devices. This expansion reflects the evolving digital landscape and aims to ensure that accessibility guidelines remain relevant across various platforms and emerging technologies. Practitioners must stay informed about these technologies and understand their unique accessibility challenges. Ensuring compliance across such a broad range of content can be daunting, requiring deep knowledge of different technological environments and their specific requirements.

Flexibility

WCAG 2.2 employs a rigid conformance system, with success criteria categorised into levels A, AA, and AAA. Each criterion must be fully met to achieve the corresponding conformance level. This binary pass/fail approach, while straightforward, can be inflexible and does not account for partial adherence.

WCAG 3.0 introduces a graded performance model that allows for partial compliance, with outcomes rated on a scale. This flexible approach acknowledges that accessibility improvements can be incremental and context-dependent, providing a more nuanced understanding of accessibility. However, this also complicates the assessment process. Practitioners need to develop sophisticated evaluation techniques to accurately measure and document varying levels of accessibility. This graded approach requires a more detailed understanding of how accessibility can be incrementally improved and adapted to different contexts.

Testing and Evaluation

The success criteria in WCAG 2.2 are designed to be technically testable through automated tools and manual checks, focusing on meeting specific technical requirements. This method emphasises clear pass/fail outcomes, making it easier to verify compliance.

Conversely, WCAG 3.0 emphasises user-centred testing and real-world feedback, prioritising the actual impact on users with disabilities. It uses performance metrics and user testing to assess how well digital content meets the needs of its users. This shift requires practitioners to engage more directly with diverse user groups, collecting and integrating real-world feedback into the design and evaluation process. Building relationships with users with disabilities and incorporating their input can be resource-intensive but is crucial for creating truly inclusive content.

Inclusivity

WCAG 2.2 addresses common disabilities, including visual, auditory, and motor impairments, with some focus on cognitive disabilities. It aims to fill specific gaps within the existing framework.

In contrast, WCAG 3.0 takes a broader and more inclusive approach, considering a wider spectrum of disabilities and user needs. The development process involves extensive consultation with diverse user groups, ensuring the guidelines reflect a wide range of experiences and perspectives. Practitioners must be prepared to consider this broader range of disabilities and needs, making the transition to WCAG 3.0 more comprehensive but also more complex.

Training and Resources

Adapting to WCAG 3.0 will require significant investment in training and resources. Practitioners must familiarise themselves with new guidelines, methods, and user-centred testing approaches. Organisations may need to allocate additional resources for training programmes, workshops, and continuous education to ensure that their teams are equipped to implement WCAG 3.0 effectively. Moreover, developing new tools and processes to evaluate graded performance and user outcomes will be necessary, requiring both time and financial investment.

Organisational Change

The transition to WCAG 3.0 may necessitate broader organisational changes. Companies and institutions will need to adopt a more inclusive culture, emphasising user-centred design and real-world testing. This shift may involve restructuring teams to include more accessibility specialists and advocates for users with disabilities. It also requires fostering a culture of continuous feedback and improvement, integrating user feedback into the development lifecycle.

Collaboration and Community Engagement

Implementing WCAG 3.0 will require collaboration and community engagement. Practitioners must work closely with users with disabilities, advocacy groups, and other stakeholders to gather comprehensive feedback and ensure that accessibility measures are effective. Building strong relationships with the community can help organisations stay informed about emerging challenges and best practices, fostering a more inclusive and responsive approach to accessibility.

Summary

Transitioning from WCAG 2.2 to WCAG 3.0 will present significant challenges for both practitioners and organisations, though it also offers opportunities for substantial improvements in web and mobile accessibility. Practitioners must adapt to a new, flexible framework, broaden their scope to include emerging technologies, develop nuanced evaluation methods, engage with diverse user groups, and commit to continuous learning and organisational change. By embracing these challenges, organisations can create more inclusive and user-friendly digital experiences, ultimately contributing to a more accessible digital world for all users. This comprehensive shift underscores the ongoing evolution of accessibility standards, reflecting technological advancements and diverse user needs.