It's important that all interactive elements can be used through keyboard navigation.
Some users with disabilities rely on:
- the "tab" key to navigate through interactive elements
- the "enter" or "space" key to activate buttons and links.
Visible focus indicators
You should have visible focus indicators to highlight the currently focused element. This helps users, especially those with visual impairments, to identify:
- where they are on the page
- which element they will interact with next.
Maintain logical tab order
Arrange the tab order of interactive elements in a logical sequence.
Users should be able to navigate through your website in a predictable way, avoiding confusing jumps or skips.
Avoid keyboard traps
Users should be able to exit or close any pop ups or overlays using the keyboard.
Avoid keyboard traps that prevent users from moving focus away from an element.
Handle form elements thoughtfully
Design forms with keyboard accessibility in mind.
Make sure users can easily navigate through form fields and submit using the keyboard alone.
Responsive design for mobile and touch devices
Your website should be responsive and touch friendly.
Users on mobile devices and touchscreens should have a similar experience to keyboard users when interacting with your website.