Search results: Update Results description with Structure and Code guidance

src/_includes/components/results-description.md

@@ -1,12 +1,17 @@
 Text describing how many results are being shown.
 
-* **Showing 1–10 of 999 results for "[query]".** The implementation should follow this format:
+#### Structure
 
-> Showing 1–10 of 999 results for "[query]"
-  * When used in non-search contexts, omit the `for "[query]"` portion. For example: `Showing 1–10 of 999 results.`
+The implementation should follow this format:
 
-* **Update when filters change.** The results description must update when filters are changed so that all users can understand that the results have been updated. Implementation should follow this format:
+* Showing 1–10 of 999 for "[query]"
+  * When used in non-search contexts, omit the `for "[query]"` portion.
+  * If a filter is applied to the results, add "with X filters applied" to the end. This is not necessary when sorting is applied since the Sort component itself acts as the visual indicator.
 
-> Showing 1–10 of 999 results for "[query]" with 5 filters applied.
+#### Code guidance
 
-* **Do not reflect changes to sort.** The Sort component itself acts as the visual indicator of the order. 
+* An `<h2>` is not required for the results description. Some implementations on VA.gov may use this convention, but this is discouraged. A stable, targetable element (e.g., ID) is sufficient for focus management.
+* Using `role="status"` provides an implicit `aria-live="polite"`, which will announce updates when the content changes. Adding an explicit `aria-live` is not necessary.
+* To support programmatic focus, `tabindex="-1"` is required if we intend to move focus to the results description element. This is a focus-driven announcement pattern and is separate from live region behavior.
+* When moving focus to the results description, the content should be announced as a single unit, assuming the DOM update is atomic. In testing (especially with VoiceOver), inline elements such as `<strong>`, `<span>`, etc., can cause the content to be announced in fragmented chunks instead of a single cohesive sentence, even though this is not consistently expected behavior.
+* Avoid inline stylistic elements within the results description when possible, and instead rely on plain text to ensure consistent, single-pass announcements across assistive technologies. If inline styling is required, additional measures such as `aria-atomic="true"` may help, but results can still vary across screen readers.