What is Keyboard Accessibility?

When we think about navigating the web, we often picture someone using a mouse to scroll through pages, click on interactive elements and select text. But the reality is that not everyone uses a mouse.

For many people, the keyboard is their primary tool for browsing the internet. This could be due to a motor disability, a temporary injury or simply personal preference. If a website isn’t designed with keyboard users in mind, these individuals may find themselves unable to fully engage with the content or services offered.

This is why working with a web accessibility agency is crucial to ensure your website is inclusive and user-friendly for everyone, regardless of how they interact with the web.

Understanding Keyboard Accessibility

So, what exactly does keyboard accessibility involve? At its core, it means that all interactive elements on your website, such as links, buttons, forms and navigation menus, can be easily accessed and operated using just a keyboard.

Implementing keyboard accessibility aligns your website with globally recognised standards like the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). These guidelines provide a framework for creating websites that are usable by as many people as possible, including those who rely on keyboard navigation. By following these standards, you’re not only improving your site’s accessibility, but you’re also demonstrating a commitment to inclusivity and equal access.

How Do You Navigate a Website with Just a Keyboard?

Understanding the concept of keyboard accessibility is one thing, but experiencing it first-hand is another. Have you ever tried navigating your own website using just a keyboard? As a website owner, it’s important to understand how users navigate your site in this way. This is essential for both accessibility testing and ensuring that your site is designed with keyboard-only users in mind.

Below, we’ll walk you through the basic keyboard controls that allow users to interact with your website:

• Tab Key: The tab key allows users to jump between interactive elements on the page, including links, buttons and form fields. Each press of the tab key moves the focus to the next element in the page’s natural order.
• Shift + Tab: If a user needs to move back to a previous element, they can hold the Shift key while pressing Tab. This combination moves the focus to the prior interactive element.
• Enter: When a user reaches an element they want to interact with, such as a link or button, pressing the Enter key activates it, just as if they had clicked on it with a mouse.
• Spacebar: The Spacebar serves a dual purpose. On form elements such as checkboxes and buttons, pressing the spacebar can be used to select or activate the focused item. Additionally, if no specific element is focused, the spacebar can also scroll the page down, allowing users to move through content easily.
• Arrow Keys: The Arrow Keys offer additional navigation capabilities. In some browsers, pressing the down arrow (↓) will nudge the page down slightly, while the up arrow (↑) will nudge it back up. These keys can also be used to navigate within dropdown menus, select options or scroll through content within a focused element.
• Escape: Sometimes, users need to quickly exit a menu, close a popup or cancel an action. The Escape key (Esc) is their go-to for these situations.

Why Keyboard Accessibility Matters

The goal of any website is to reach as many people as possible while providing a positive experience for every visitor. Keyboard accessibility plays a key part in achieving this, as it ensures that users who rely on a keyboard can fully interact with your content.

When all users, regardless of their abilities, can easily navigate your site, they’re more likely to engage with your content, return in the future and even recommend your site to others. Prioritising keyboard accessibility from the outset helps you avoid unintentionally excluding any visitors, making your site more welcoming and user-friendly. It can also help you avoid potential legal issues and improve your search engine rankings, offering both ethical and practical benefits.

Best Practices for Creating a Keyboard-Accessible Website

To ensure your website is accessible to everyone, including those who navigate with a keyboard, there are several key practices to keep in mind:

Keyboard-Friendly Navigation

All interactive elements on your website should be fully accessible using just the keyboard. This means that users should be able to navigate menus, click buttons and complete forms without ever needing a mouse. To achieve this, make sure that every interactive element can be reached using the Tab key. Additionally, when these elements are activated with the keyboard, they should function in the same way they would if clicked with a mouse or tapped on a touchscreen.

Clear Focus Indicators

Focus indicators are visual markers that help users see which part of the page they are currently interacting with as they navigate with the keyboard. Usually, this appears as a coloured outline or border around interactive elements. It’s important that these indicators are easy to see so that users can always tell where they are on the page. Without clear focus indicators, users can easily lose track of their position, leading to frustration and a poor user experience.

Logical and Intuitive Navigation Order

The order in which users move through your site using the Tab key should follow a logical and intuitive sequence. This typically means the focus should move from left to right and top to bottom, following the natural flow of reading. The navigation should start with the header, move through the main navigation menu, continue through the page’s content and finish at the footer. Keeping this flow intuitive makes your site easier to use and ensures a smooth experience for all visitors.

Skip Links for Easier Navigation

To help users, especially those using screen readers, navigate your site more efficiently, consider adding “skip to main content” links at the top of your pages. These links allow users to bypass repetitive sections like navigation menus and go straight to the main content. Additionally, using structured headings and landmarks can help users quickly jump to different sections of your site, making their experience faster and more straightforward.

Descriptive Interactive Elements

Every interactive element on your site should clearly communicate its purpose. For example, if a button takes the user to a new page or triggers an action, it should have descriptive text like “Download Report” or “Go to Accessibility Checker.” Avoid using vague labels like “Click Here” or “More Info,” as these don’t provide enough context. Clear and descriptive labels help all users, including those using screen readers, understand what each element will do, leading to a more accessible and user-friendly site.

Bringing Keyboard Accessibility to Your Website

Ensuring your website is accessible to all users is not just a legal obligation but also a reflection of your commitment to inclusivity and excellence. Implementing keyboard accessibility can seem daunting, but you don’t have to do it alone.

At Priority Pixels, we specialise in creating websites that are not only visually appealing but also fully accessible. Whether you’re building a new site or looking to improve an existing one, we’re here to support you every step of the way. Our team will work closely with you to integrate these best practices and more, ensuring your website is both functional and welcoming to all users.

Ready to take the next step towards a more inclusive digital presence? Get in touch with us today, and let’s work together to make your website a place where everyone feels welcome.