Question on Clear Words [Deque feedback]

[melaniephilipp]

Will a tool like dictionary lookup provided at the OS or browser level be a sufficient technique for Method: Use Clear Words?

Examples:

Mobile

• Option for to press/hold on any word and “Look Up” the definition
• Ask Siri or Google Assistant for definition

Desktop

• Ask the OS voice assistant for definition (Siri, Cortana…)
• Right click on word and select “Search” to bring up definition
• Edge - Look up definitions

[colabottles]

Thank you for your comment. Project members are working on your comment. You may see discussion in the comment thread and we may ask for additional information as we work on it. We will mark the official response when we are finished and close the issue.

[jmcsorle]

Draft Response:

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Thank you for your comment. The group discussed this and we do not think a browser lookup function is sufficient to meet user needs. First, these tools are available today and they do not solve the overall issue of the necessity of writing with clear words. If we were to say that using browser lookup functions was a sufficient technique, there would be no incentive for authors to provide clear language. The lookup function definition often does not provide the correct context for the content. Also, the number of steps required to use a browser lookup function can be too complex for people who need to look up multiple words. The fatigue factor for people with certain types of disabilities can be too great.

[alastc]

Approved response:

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Thank you for your comment. The Working Group has concerns that current implementations may not fully meet user needs, and as the WCAG 3.0 conformance model and this method progress, we will work to clarify whether or not this will be sufficient. We are closing this issue but are adding a label (input-for-future-version) to ensure the group considers your point as we move forward and look at techniques.

[alastc]

The group approved the above response: https://www.w3.org/2022/01/18-ag-minutes.html#t05