Bio LabSim Library Global Dependencies v4.1 Release Notes

Release Date: January 2026

1. Animation Player

Version 4.1 | Release Date: Jan 2026

This release introduces major accessibility improvements to the Animation Player component. Updates enhance keyboard navigation, focus management, screen-reader support, visual contrast, semantic structure, and access to descriptive content. All changes align with WCAG 2.1/2.2, WAI-ARIA Authoring Practices, and inclusive design standards.

1.1 Enhanced Focus Visibility

• Added a clear visual border around interactive elements’ focus states, ensuring at least a 3:1 contrast ratio with the background.

WCAG References: 2.2.11 Focus Appearance (Minimum); 2.4.7 Focus Visible

1.2 Keyboard Operability for Settings Menu

• Activate Settings button with Enter or Space.

• Press Esc to close the Settings menu.

• Focus reliably returns to the Settings button.

WCAG References: 2.1.1 Keyboard; 2.1.2 No Keyboard Trap; 2.4.3 Focus Order

1.3 Modal Dialog Improvements

• Added aria-modal="true" for proper screen-reader handling.

• Focus returns to the Transcript button when the modal closes.

WCAG References: 2.4.3 Focus Order; 1.3.1 Info and Relationships
Best Practices: WAI-ARIA Authoring Practices – Modal Dialogs

1.4 Correct Accessible Labeling for Dialog

• Replaced aria-describedby with aria-labelledby referencing the modal’s visible heading.

WCAG References: 1.3.1 Info and Relationships
Best Practices: Dialog Labeling with ARIA

1.5 Sequential Heading Structure

• Updated dialog headings from <h4> to <h3> to maintain proper hierarchy.

WCAG References: 1.3.1 Info and Relationships; 2.4.6 Headings and Labels

1.6 Improved Milestone Indicators

• Added a visible icon for the active milestone.

• All icons meet minimum 3:1 non-text contrast.

WCAG References: 1.4.3 Contrast (Minimum); 1.4.11 Non-Text Contrast

1.7 aria-current="step" for Current Position

• Current step uses aria-current="step", improving screen-reader navigation.

WCAG References: 1.3.1 Info and Relationships
Best Practices: ARIA aria-current attribute guidance

1.8 Always-Available Transcript Options

• Full transcript visible on-page or in a widget (e.g., accordion).

WCAG References: 1.2.1 Audio-only and Video-only; 1.3.1 Info and Relationships

1.9 Increased Target Spacing for Milestones

• Milestone markers spaced to allow 24×24px targets; separated when necessary.

WCAG References: 2.5.5 Target Size (Minimum) (WCAG 2.2); 1.3.1 Info and Relationships

1.10 More Descriptive Labels for Completed Questions

• ARIA labels now include full context (e.g., “Question 1 of 3, completed”).

WCAG References: 2.4.6 Headings and Labels; 4.1.2 Name, Role, Value

1.11 Live playing status

• Aria-live region announces that the animation is playing or paused

Summary:
Version 4.1 significantly improves accessibility of the Animation Player by providing:

• Better keyboard usability

• Proper semantic and ARIA structure

• Improved audio description support

• Clearer focus management

• Enhanced contrast and visual affordances

• More predictable screen-reader behavior

2. Drag-and-Drop Library

Version 4.1 | Release Date: Jan 2026

This release improves accessibility, usability, and inclusiveness of the drag-and-drop system. Updates include enhanced keyboard navigation, tap-based support, improved contrast, clear feedback, and accessible alternatives.

2.1 Keyboard Instructions for Drag-and-Drop

• Arrow keys to navigate

• Enter to pick up/drop

• Esc to cancel

WCAG References: 2.1.1 Keyboard; 3.3.2 Labels or Instructions

2.2 Identification of Draggable Objects

• Draggable items follow current ARIA best practices:

• role="button"

• aria-pressed="false" / aria-pressed="true"

• aria-roledescription="draggable item"

• aria-describedby or descriptive ARIA labels

WCAG References: 4.1.2 Name, Role, Value; 1.3.1 Info and Relationships

2.3 Feedback on Pick-Up and Drop Actions

• Assistive feedback via aria-live announces:

• Object picked up

• Object dropped

• Drop location

WCAG References: 4.1.3 Status Messages

2.4 Accessible Alternatives to Drag-and-Drop

• Users can click/tap or use the keyboard to select and place items without dragging.

• Fully operable via mouse, touch, stylus, and keyboard.

WCAG References: 2.1.1 Keyboard; 2.5.1 Pointer Gestures; 2.5.7 Dragging Movements (WCAG 2.2)

2.5 Enhanced Background Contrast

• Darkened backgrounds for draggable tiles, targets, and feedback icons.

WCAG References: 1.4.11 Non-Text Contrast; 1.4.3 Contrast (Minimum)

Summary:
Version 4.1 improves drag-and-drop accessibility by:

• Supporting keyboard, mouse, touch, and assistive technology

• Providing clear instructions and feedback

• Improving semantic labeling and ARIA support

• Enhancing visual contrast

• Supporting users unable to perform drag gestures

3. User Interface Accessibility Enhancements

This release improves accessibility for starting pages, modal dialogs, buttons, tooltips, and other UI elements. Updates enhance focus management, keyboard operability, screen-reader behavior, visual contrast, and ARIA semantics.

3.1 Focus Management

• Focus trapped in starting pages and intro screens.

• Escape key closes tooltips/menus and returns focus.

• Screen-reader focus maintained consistently.

WCAG References: 2.1.1 Keyboard; 2.1.2 No Keyboard Trap; 2.4.3 Focus Order

3.2 Focus Indicators

• All buttons and controls have visible focus rings/borders (≥3:1 contrast).

• Applied consistently across UI elements.

WCAG References: 2.4.7 Focus Visible; 1.4.11 Non-Text Contrast

3.3 Labeling and ARIA Improvements

• Modal buttons programmatically labeled (e.g., aria-label="Start").

• Radio controls use native HTML; ARIA aria-checked where needed.

WCAG References: 4.1.2 Name, Role, Value; 1.3.1 Info and Relationships

3.4 Contrast Enhancements

• Targets, controls, graphics, and animations meet ≥3:1 contrast.

WCAG References: 1.4.3 Contrast (Minimum); 1.4.11 Non-Text Contrast

Summary:
Version 4.1 improves accessibility by:

• Trapping focus for keyboard/screen-reader users

• Enhancing focus indicator visibility

• Improving contrast

• Ensuring proper labeling and ARIA semantics

• Providing robust keyboard operability including Escape key dismissal