Build Critical Information component

[msbtterswrth]

User Story

As an engineer,
I want to build the Critical Information component in Storybook and vets-website,
So that it can be tested, iterated on, and eventually integrated into VA.gov.

Background

The Critical Information component will help surface time-sensitive, high-priority information to Veterans in a way that is clear, accessible, and non-intrusive. This implementation will follow the finalized Figma designs and adhere to VADS coding standards.

This task includes:

• Building the component in Storybook for documentation and testing.
• Implementing the component within vets-website.
• Ensuring responsiveness and accessibility compliance.
• Writing unit and integration tests.

Discovery Goals

• Ensure the component functions correctly across different screen sizes.
• Validate that it follows VADS component architecture and does not introduce unnecessary complexity.
• Confirm that accessibility features (e.g., ARIA roles, keyboard focus handling, screen reader support) are implemented correctly.

Questions to Answer

• Does it work well across different sections of VA.gov?
• Are there potential edge cases that need to be handled (e.g., long text)?
• How do animations or state changes affect usability and performance?

Resources

• Finalized Figma designs.
• VADS component documentation (for styling, spacing, and UI consistency).
• Existing Storybook setup in vets-website.
• VA.gov accessibility testing guidelines.

Deliverables

• A fully implemented Critical Information component in Storybook.
• An integrated version of the component in vets-website.
• Accessibility validation (keyboard navigation, screen reader compatibility, focus management).
• Unit and integration tests ensuring functionality across different use cases.

Acceptance Criteria

• The component is built and tested in Storybook.
• The component is implemented in vets-website following VADS standards.
• Accessibility features (focus states, ARIA roles, keyboard navigation) have been validated.
• The component has been reviewed by the UX and engineering teams.
• Unit and integration tests are passing.

Constraints & Considerations

• The componentmust remain flexible while ensuring a consistent user experience.
• The component should be lightweight and performant, avoiding unnecessary DOM updates.
• Testing should include different screen sizes, high-contrast mode, and screen reader navigation.

Review Needed By

• VA Design System Team
• UX Research Team
• Product Manager
• Engineering Team

Definition of Done

• Documentation has been updated, if applicable.
• Acceptance Criteria in related issue are met.
• Reviewers have approved.