Quick Tips for Keyboard Navigation

Whether due to visual impairment, mobility concerns, or simply personal preference, a wide range of users browse and navigate websites through the use of keyboard inputs rather than a mouse or pointer. For this reason and others, certain areas of site development must take into account the various ways people may progress through your site or pages.

Visible focus

You want to make sure that there is a “visible focus style” defined for any and all interactive elements on the page. This way, users who are employing assistive technology (such as screen readers, keyboard navigation, etc.) can understand where they are on a page or within the content.

Matching order

Make sure that the visual layout of the page and the keyboard focus are accurate and matching. This way, users can progress through the content/page in the same way, regardless of their method.

Invisible focusable elements

Be sure to remove or disable the ability to focus on any elements that are not meant to be discoverable or part of the page content/layout. Examples can include drop-down menus that are inactive or unavailable, off-screen navigation, etc.

These three items will help to make your site more easily navigated with the use of a keyboard or alternative inputs, ensuring a greater level of accessibility for any and all users.