Claude
eb2b69557e
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
39 lines
2.5 KiB
Markdown
39 lines
2.5 KiB
Markdown
## Why
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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## What Changes
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- **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.
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### What this does NOT include
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- The core conversational agent (separate concern, shared with email channel)
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- Email channel implementation
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- Backend API for the agent (defined separately; this change specifies only the frontend and its integration contract)
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## Capabilities
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### Modified Capabilities
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- `chat-interface`: Moves from specified-but-unbuilt to implemented. Requirements remain as defined in the existing spec, with accessibility requirements added:
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- WCAG 2.1 AA compliance
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- Full keyboard navigation (no mouse required)
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- Screen reader compatibility (ARIA live regions for incoming messages)
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- Sufficient colour contrast (≥ 4.5:1 for normal text)
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- Focus management (focus moves to new agent messages; skip-to-content link)
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- Respects `prefers-reduced-motion` (no animated typing dots if disabled)
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## Impact
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- **Parents**: Can access the registration agent from any browser without email setup; works on mobile phones; usable by parents with accessibility needs
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- **Infrastructure**: Adds a web server serving the chat frontend; WebSocket or SSE connection to the agent backend
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- **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)
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- **Admin**: No impact; admin does not interact with the chat interface
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