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Claude eb2b69557e docs(openspec): add proposal for implement-web-chat change
Defines why the web chat is being built now, what changes (chat-interface
capability moving from spec to implementation), and adds accessibility as
a first-class requirement (WCAG 2.1 AA, keyboard nav, ARIA live regions).

https://claude.ai/code/session_01SUWzMzFvSfWiHXA2p6rPg9
2026-02-22 05:12:17 +00:00

2.5 KiB

Why

The chat-interface capability was defined in the scoping phase as a must-have for the initial release, but no implementation exists yet. This change delivers it.

Parents need a zero-friction way to start a registration or ask questions without setting up email threads. A web chat interface lowers that barrier: they navigate to a URL, start typing, and they're immediately talking to the agent. The interface must work equally well on a mobile phone held in one hand while watching a toddler.

Accessibility is a first-class concern. Parents may rely on screen readers, keyboard navigation, or high-contrast displays. An inaccessible registration interface excludes families with disabilities—contrary to the playgroup's values.

Using a mature, accessibility-tested chat UI library rather than building from scratch means we inherit ARIA compliance, keyboard navigation, focus management, and screen reader support without reimplementing them.

What Changes

  • ADDED chat-interface implementation: A deployable web application that renders the chat UI, connects to the core agent, and manages browser-session state. Built on top of an existing accessible chat UI library.

What this does NOT include

  • The core conversational agent (separate concern, shared with email channel)
  • Email channel implementation
  • Backend API for the agent (defined separately; this change specifies only the frontend and its integration contract)

Capabilities

Modified Capabilities

  • chat-interface: Moves from specified-but-unbuilt to implemented. Requirements remain as defined in the existing spec, with accessibility requirements added:
    • WCAG 2.1 AA compliance
    • Full keyboard navigation (no mouse required)
    • Screen reader compatibility (ARIA live regions for incoming messages)
    • Sufficient colour contrast (≥ 4.5:1 for normal text)
    • Focus management (focus moves to new agent messages; skip-to-content link)
    • Respects prefers-reduced-motion (no animated typing dots if disabled)

Impact

  • Parents: Can access the registration agent from any browser without email setup; works on mobile phones; usable by parents with accessibility needs
  • Infrastructure: Adds a web server serving the chat frontend; WebSocket or SSE connection to the agent backend
  • Dependencies: One new runtime dependency — a well-maintained, accessible chat UI library (to be decided in design); the existing agent core (no changes required to the core)
  • Admin: No impact; admin does not interact with the chat interface