WCAG 3.0: What's New and How to Prepare

The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 3.0 represent a significant evolution in how we approach digital accessibility. After analyzing the draft specifications, here's what you need to know.

Major Changes in WCAG 3.0

1. New Conformance Model

interface ConformanceLevel {
  level: 'bronze' | 'silver' | 'gold';
  requirements: {
    critical: boolean;
    high: boolean;
    medium: boolean;
    low: boolean;
  };
  score: number; // 0-100
}

// Example conformance check
const checkConformance = (component: any): ConformanceLevel => {
  // Implementation would check against WCAG 3.0 criteria
  return {
    level: 'silver',
    requirements: {
      critical: true,
      high: true,
      medium: true,
      low: false
    },
    score: 85
  };
};

2. Functional Categories

WCAG 3.0 introduces a more user-focused approach with these categories:

• Vision (low vision, blindness, light sensitivity)
• Hearing (deafness, hard of hearing)
• Mobility (keyboard navigation, switch control)
• Cognitive (attention, memory, executive function)
• Speech (speech input, voice recognition)
• Sensory (vestibular disorders, photosensitivity)

3. Scoring System

| Level | Score | Description | |-------|-------|-------------| | Bronze | 75-84 | Meets basic requirements | | Silver | 85-94 | Good accessibility | | Gold | 95-100 | Excellent accessibility |

Impact on Design Systems

Component-Level Requirements

1. Form Controls

   • Enhanced error prevention
   • Better autocomplete support
   • Improved validation messages

2. Navigation

   • Consistent focus indicators
   • Skip links improvements
   • Better keyboard navigation

3. Content Structure

   • Semantic HTML5 elements
   • Proper heading hierarchy
   • Landmark regions

Testing Strategy

const wcag3TestSuite = {
  automated: [
    'color-contrast',
    'focus-visible',
    'landmark-unique',
    'aria-valid-attr'
  ],
  manual: [
    'motion-actuation',
    'reduced-motion',
    'cognitive-load'
  ],
  userTesting: [
    'screen-reader',
    'keyboard-only',
    'voice-control'
  ]
};

Implementation Timeline

1. Q2 2025: Audit current system against WCAG 3.0 draft
2. Q3 2025: Update component library with new requirements
3. Q4 2025: Conduct user testing with assistive technologies
4. Q1 2026: Full compliance with WCAG 3.0 Bronze

Tools and Resources

• WAVE 6.0: Updated for WCAG 3.0
• Axe DevTools: New rules engine
• Contrast Checker: Enhanced color contrast algorithms
• Screen Reader Testing Matrix: Updated compatibility tables

Key Takeaways

1. Start Early: Begin auditing your current implementation
2. Focus on Users: The new guidelines are more user-centered
3. Test Thoroughly: Combine automated and manual testing
4. Document Everything: Keep detailed records of your compliance efforts
5. Train Your Team: Ensure everyone understands the new requirements

WCAG 3.0 represents a significant step forward in making the web more accessible to everyone. By starting your preparations now, you'll be well-positioned to meet these new standards when they're officially released.