Add WCAG 2.2 SC 2.5.7 - Dragging Movements (AA)

[mgifford]

WCAG 2.2 SC 2.5.7:

All functionality that uses a dragging movement for operation can be achieved by a single pointer without dragging, unless dragging is essential or the functionality is determined by the user agent and not modified by the author.

Note

This requirement applies to web content that interprets pointer actions (i.e., this does not apply to actions that are required to operate the user agent or assistive technology).

List the tasks for the SC.

Child issue of #65

[mgifford]

Role mapping by ChatGPT and links mostly from me.

WCAG 2.2 SC 2.5.7 – Dragging Movements (AA)

AI Generated Role Mapping (ARRM)

• Primary: UX Designer – decides whether drag is required and designs single-pointer alternatives.
• Secondary: Front-End Developer – codes alternatives (e.g., buttons, menus, keyboard access).
• Contributor: Visual Designer – ensures alternatives are visually clear and discoverable.

AI Generated Additional Context

• Requirement: any functionality that uses dragging must also be operable with a single pointer without dragging.
• Exceptions: when dragging is essential to the function, or when the behavior is determined by the user agent and not modified by the author.
• Common fixes: provide buttons or menus to move/reorder items; provide plus/minus controls for sliders; provide click-to-select then click-to-move/place; ensure keyboard operation mirrors the non-drag path.
• Common failures: sortable lists requiring drag-and-drop only; canvas or map interactions without button-based alternatives (except when free-form drawing is the essential function).

References

• GetStark: Dragging Movements – practical overview and examples
  https://www.getstark.co/wcag-explained/operable/input-modalities/dragging-movements/
• W3C Understanding 2.5.7 – intent, exceptions, examples
  https://www.w3.org/WAI/WCAG22/Understanding/dragging-movements.html
• BeAccessible WCAG 2.2 checklist
  https://beaccessible.com/post/wcag-2-2-checklist/
• Parachute Design – WCAG 2.2 overview
  https://parachutedesign.ca/blog/wcag-2/#Success_Criteria_327_%E2%80%9CVisible_Controls%E2%80%9D
• Equally AI – WCAG 2.2 checklist
  https://blog.equally.ai/web-accessibility/wcag-2-2-simple-checklist/
• W3C ARRM – roles and responsibilities mapping
  https://www.w3.org/WAI/planning/arrm/

Possible Task List

• Audit interactive drag features (sliders, drag-and-drop lists, maps, etc.)
• Define single-pointer equivalent actions (e.g., tap-to-move, click buttons, input fields)
• Design UI alternatives (e.g., up/down controls, menu alternatives, input fields)
• Implement single-pointer alternatives in code, ensure parity with dragging features
• Integrate alternatives into component library or design system
• Assess exceptions (if dragging is essential for functionality like drawing), document rationale
• Test all scenarios (including alternatives) across devices and assistive tech
• Document implementation patterns and exceptions in guidelines or team resources

[mgifford]

@dboudreau suggested:

• Ensure that all functionality requiring dragging can also be operated using a single pointer without dragging for people with limited dexterity or fine motor control.
• Provide accessible alternatives to dragging, such as tap, click, arrow keys, or plus/minus buttons.

AI suggested this:

• All functionality that uses dragging is operable with a single pointer without dragging (for example, tap, click, arrow keys, or plus/minus), unless dragging is essential or determined by the user agent.

[anna-yeddi]

@dboudreau suggested:
* All functionality that uses dragging is operable with a single pointer without dragging (for example, tap, click, arrow keys, or plus/minus), unless dragging is essential or determined by the user agent.

We could also add an example grip icon or similar for controls that either use = symbol? or a more detailed grip icon like the one from Icons8:

ETA, for instance:

Provide accessible alternatives to dragging, such as tap, click, or press and hold actions, arrow keys or keyboard shortcuts, plus/minus, grip, or up/down/left/right buttons.

[mgifford]

What we decided in today's meeting.

ID	WCAG SC	Level	Content Type	Tasks	Status	Main Role	Role Ownership
Primary	Secondary	Secondary 2 (if needed)	Contributor	Contributor 2 (if needed)
	2.5.7 Dragging Movements	AA	Input Modalities	All functionality requiring dragging movements can also be operated using single-pointer alternatives.	Approved	Design	UX Designer