SAPUI5 is Leading the Way in Accessibility with WCAG 2.2

SAPUI5 is Leading the Way in Accessibility with WCAG 2.2
Estimated read time 5 min read

The WCAG 2.2 Standard

Accessibility is key to using SAP’s business solutions. Adopting the latest standards gives applications a true cutting edge, ensuring that solutions are inclusive and meet the diverse needs of users globally. For meeting the latest Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), the UI5 team, designers, and SAP’s accessibility experts met the challenge to give us that edge with customers.

The latest version WCAG 2.2 introduced new criteria which need to be implemented on both, the UI technology side as well as application side. Some of the new requirements are targeting application logic, e.g. to avoid asking the user for redundant data, to use a consistent navigation, or to offer alternatives for drag and drop. Application developers follow updated guidelines, the UI5 recommendations and the UI5 Accessibility guide. A big portion of the requirements was handled by the central UI technology SAPUI5.

See two typical new requirements to understand the WCAG benefits:

1) The standard describes the minimum target size of 24×24 px for an interactive element, so that users doesn’t accidentally activate a different element:

Visualization of a sufficient target size of a UI element

 

 2) Each operation which can be performed by dragging can also be performed by using one pointer actions without dragging: 

 

SAPUI5 and WCAG 2.2

SAPUI5 1.136 adjusted its implementation towards the latest WCAG 2.2 standard. This milestone reflects the unwavering commitment to accessibility and ensures that applications built with the UI5 framework can meet the latest industry standards and customer expectations. Accessibility is a key requirement not only for public sector clients but many other customers. Offering implementations towards WCAG 2.2 fulfills customer expectations and strengthens the competitive position of SAP products.

This update is relevant for SAPUI5 1.136 and UI5 Web Components 2.9.0. It is one step in the continuous journey to enhance the user experience and accessibility of SAP solutions. The UI5 team remains dedicated to advancing accessibility features that empower all users.

The ARIA 1.2 Standard

Supporting WCAG, the Accessible Rich Internet Applications (ARIA) standard is used to make Web applications more accessible: It especially helps with dynamic content and advanced UI controls. ARIA adds role, property, and state information to dynamic Web applications to make UI elements recognizable by assistive technologies such as screen readers.

SAPUI5 1.136 is now implemented towards the latest ARIA 1.2 specification. The UI5 team has worked to ensure these enhancements reflect the best practices for accessible design, thereby helping to improve the overall user experience of consuming applications. This advancement shows how SAPUI5 continues to meet modern standards for accessible user interfaces.

Reference Test Environment

In this context the UI5 team also updated the reference test environment. This ensures compatibility with new technologies and allows making use of the latest innovations. For details see SAP Note 2564165.

References

SAPUI5 Accessibility GuideAccessibility in Walkthrough tutorial (JavaScript)Accessibility in Walkthrough tutorial (TypeScript)SAPUI5 essentials: AccessibilitySAPUI5 Accessibility Guide for developing appsSAPUI5 Accessibility for End UsersAccessibility in UI5 Web ComponentsAccessibility MissionSAP Note 2967114 – Assistive Tool Support of Web-Technology based SAP Products 

​ The WCAG 2.2 StandardAccessibility is key to using SAP’s business solutions. Adopting the latest standards gives applications a true cutting edge, ensuring that solutions are inclusive and meet the diverse needs of users globally. For meeting the latest Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), the UI5 team, designers, and SAP’s accessibility experts met the challenge to give us that edge with customers.The latest version WCAG 2.2 introduced new criteria which need to be implemented on both, the UI technology side as well as application side. Some of the new requirements are targeting application logic, e.g. to avoid asking the user for redundant data, to use a consistent navigation, or to offer alternatives for drag and drop. Application developers follow updated guidelines, the UI5 recommendations and the UI5 Accessibility guide. A big portion of the requirements was handled by the central UI technology SAPUI5.See two typical new requirements to understand the WCAG benefits:1) The standard describes the minimum target size of 24×24 px for an interactive element, so that users doesn’t accidentally activate a different element:Visualization of a sufficient target size of a UI element  2) Each operation which can be performed by dragging can also be performed by using one pointer actions without dragging:  SAPUI5 and WCAG 2.2SAPUI5 1.136 adjusted its implementation towards the latest WCAG 2.2 standard. This milestone reflects the unwavering commitment to accessibility and ensures that applications built with the UI5 framework can meet the latest industry standards and customer expectations. Accessibility is a key requirement not only for public sector clients but many other customers. Offering implementations towards WCAG 2.2 fulfills customer expectations and strengthens the competitive position of SAP products.This update is relevant for SAPUI5 1.136 and UI5 Web Components 2.9.0. It is one step in the continuous journey to enhance the user experience and accessibility of SAP solutions. The UI5 team remains dedicated to advancing accessibility features that empower all users.The ARIA 1.2 StandardSupporting WCAG, the Accessible Rich Internet Applications (ARIA) standard is used to make Web applications more accessible: It especially helps with dynamic content and advanced UI controls. ARIA adds role, property, and state information to dynamic Web applications to make UI elements recognizable by assistive technologies such as screen readers.SAPUI5 1.136 is now implemented towards the latest ARIA 1.2 specification. The UI5 team has worked to ensure these enhancements reflect the best practices for accessible design, thereby helping to improve the overall user experience of consuming applications. This advancement shows how SAPUI5 continues to meet modern standards for accessible user interfaces.Reference Test EnvironmentIn this context the UI5 team also updated the reference test environment. This ensures compatibility with new technologies and allows making use of the latest innovations. For details see SAP Note 2564165.ReferencesSAPUI5 Accessibility GuideAccessibility in Walkthrough tutorial (JavaScript)Accessibility in Walkthrough tutorial (TypeScript)SAPUI5 essentials: AccessibilitySAPUI5 Accessibility Guide for developing appsSAPUI5 Accessibility for End UsersAccessibility in UI5 Web ComponentsAccessibility MissionSAP Note 2967114 – Assistive Tool Support of Web-Technology based SAP Products   Read More Technology Blog Posts by SAP articles 

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