2.4.3: Focus Order
Guideline 2.4.3 ensures that users can navigate a webpage in a logical and meaningful sequence using a keyboard. This involves setting a proper focus order so that interactive elements such as links, buttons, and form fields are accessed in an intuitive and predictable manner, enhancing the overall user experience.
Importance of 2.4.3: Focus Order Success Criterion
Maintaining a logical focus order is crucial for accessibility, particularly for users who rely on keyboard navigation or assistive technologies like screen readers. When focus order is logical and predictable, it allows users to interact with web content efficiently and without confusion. Poor focus order can lead to a disjointed and frustrating experience, making it difficult for users to access essential information or complete tasks. Ensuring a coherent focus sequence not only improves usability but also enhances accessibility for all users, particularly those with disabilities.
Primary Use Cases and Requirements Under Guideline 2.4.3: Focus Order (Level A)
Use Case 1: Form Navigation
Example: A contact form on a webpage with input fields for name, email, subject, and message, followed by a submit button.
Implementation: Set the tab order so that users can navigate through the form fields in a logical sequence.
How to Test: Use the Tab key to navigate through the form fields. Ensure the focus moves in the expected order (e.g., from name to email, to subject, to message, and finally to the submit button).
Use Case 2: Modal Dialogs
Example: A webpage with a button that opens a modal dialog containing additional options.
Implementation: Ensure that when the modal dialog opens, the focus moves to the first interactive element within the dialog and traps the focus within the modal until it is closed.
How to Test: Activate the button to open the modal dialog. Use the Tab key to navigate through the elements in the dialog. Verify that the focus does not move to the underlying webpage elements and that it loops back to the first element if the end of the dialog is reached.
Use Case 3: Dynamic Content Updates
Example: A webpage with a dynamically updated section (e.g., a live feed or notification area).
Implementation: Ensure that when new content is added, the focus order is maintained, and users can navigate to the new content logically.
How to Test: Trigger the dynamic update and use the Tab key to navigate to the new content. Verify that the focus order remains logical and intuitive.
Use Case 4: Skip Links
Example: A webpage with a long navigation menu at the top.
Implementation: Add a skip link that allows users to bypass the navigation menu and jump directly to the main content.
How to Test: Use the Tab key to focus on the skip link. Activate the skip link and ensure that the focus moves to the main content section.
Testing Steps:
1. Manual Testing: Use the Tab key to navigate through the webpage. Observe the focus order and ensure it follows a logical sequence. Verify that focusable elements are reachable and that no elements are skipped or focused on out of order.
2. Screen Reader Testing: Use a screen reader to navigate the webpage. Confirm that the focus order announced by the screen reader matches the visual order and intended navigation sequence.
3. Automated Tools: Use automated accessibility testing tools to check for focus order issues. Analyze the results and manually verify any flagged elements to ensure compliance.