How do you add keyboard navigation to web apps?

1 Focus management

The first step to add keyboard navigation to web apps is to manage the focus of the elements on the page. Focus refers to the element that receives the keyboard input at any given time. You can use the tabindex attribute to specify the order and behavior of the focusable elements, such as links, buttons, inputs, and custom widgets. You can also use the focus and blur events to programmatically control the focus of the elements using JavaScript. For example, you can set the focus to the first element when the page loads, or to a modal dialog when it opens.

2 Keyboard events

The second step to add keyboard navigation to web apps is to handle the keyboard events that the user triggers. Keyboard events are objects that contain information about the key that was pressed, the element that received the event, and any modifiers that were held. You can use the keydown , keyup , and keypress events to listen for keyboard input and perform actions accordingly. For example, you can use the keydown event to detect when the user presses the arrow keys and move the focus or scroll the page accordingly.

3 ARIA roles and attributes

The third step to add keyboard navigation to web apps is to use the Accessible Rich Internet Applications (ARIA) roles and attributes to enhance the semantics and accessibility of the web app. ARIA roles and attributes provide additional information about the structure, function, and state of the elements on the page, which can help assistive technologies like screen readers to understand and announce them correctly. For example, you can use the role attribute to indicate that an element is a button, a menu, a tab, or a slider, and use the aria-label , aria-expanded , aria-selected , or aria-valuenow attributes to provide descriptive labels, expansion states, selection states, or values for the elements.

4 Keyboard shortcuts

The fourth step to add keyboard navigation to web apps is to provide keyboard shortcuts for common or frequent actions. Keyboard shortcuts can improve the efficiency and convenience of keyboard navigation by allowing the user to perform actions without moving the focus or using multiple keys. You can use the accesskey attribute to assign a single key as a shortcut for an element, or use JavaScript to create custom combinations of keys as shortcuts. For example, you can use the accesskey attribute to assign the letter S as a shortcut for a search input, or use JavaScript to create a shortcut like Ctrl+S to save a document.

5 Keyboard feedback

The fifth step to add keyboard navigation to web apps is to provide keyboard feedback for the user. Keyboard feedback refers to the visual or auditory cues that indicate the focus, state, or result of the keyboard actions. You can use CSS to style the focus outline, the active state, or the hover state of the elements to make them more noticeable and consistent. You can also use JavaScript to create animations, transitions, or sounds to enhance the keyboard feedback. For example, you can use CSS to change the color or shape of the focus outline, or use JavaScript to create a ripple effect or a beep sound when the user presses a button.

6 Keyboard testing

The sixth and final step to add keyboard navigation to web apps is to test the keyboard functionality and usability of the web app. Keyboard testing involves checking that the web app works as expected and provides a smooth and intuitive experience for the keyboard users. You can use tools like the Keyboard Accessibility Test Tool (KATT) or the Web Accessibility Evaluation Tool (WAVE) to identify and fix any keyboard accessibility issues. You can also use user testing methods like surveys, interviews, or observations to gather feedback and suggestions from the keyboard users. For example, you can use KATT to check that the focus order, keyboard events, and ARIA roles and attributes are correct, or use user testing to find out if the keyboard shortcuts, keyboard feedback, and keyboard navigation are easy and convenient to use.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?