Why are there both WCAG guidelines and techniques?

The distinction between WCAG guidelines and techniques is fundamentally rooted in the structure of how accessibility is conceptualized and operationalized. The guidelines serve as broad principles that define what needs to be achieved for web content to be accessible, establishing the goals of accessibility. They outline key objectives, such as ensuring that content is perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust.

Techniques, on the other hand, provide specific methods and examples on how to implement these guidelines in practice. They help developers and designers understand the practical steps they need to take to achieve the stated goals of the guidelines. This clear separation allows for a more organized way to approach web accessibility. The guidelines tell you what needs to be accomplished, while the techniques explain how you can achieve that effectively.

This framework is crucial because it accommodates a variety of technologies and design approaches, allowing for flexibility in implementation while maintaining the core principles needed for accessibility. It helps designers and developers navigate the complex landscape of web accessibility by providing clear, actionable insights.