Accessibility
Petrel must meet WCAG 2.2 Level AA accessibility requirements. These pages document the requirements, rationale, and implementation guidance specific to WPF and WinForms desktop software.
Why accessibility matters for Petrel
Petrel is used in regulated industries where software accessibility may be a legal requirement. Clients in enterprise environments have accessibility policies that Petrel must comply with to remain on approved software lists. Beyond compliance, accessible design improves usability for all users, particularly in high-stress, time-sensitive workflows.
Accessibility pages
Colour and contrast
Minimum contrast ratios for text, icons, and interactive components.
→ Colour & contrastKeyboard and focus
Tab order, focus ring requirements, and keyboard-only operation.
→ Keyboard & focusLabels and accessible names
AutomationProperties, tooltips, and accessible naming for all controls.
→ Labels & namesScaling and DPI
DPI awareness and layout behaviour at 125%, 150%, and 200% scaling.
→ Scaling & DPINotifications
Status alerts that work without relying on colour alone.
→ NotificationsCustom controls
UI Automation patterns for non-standard WPF controls.
→ Custom controlsAccessibility testing
Tools, checklists, and acceptance criteria for accessibility validation.
→ Testing