Navigating Accessibility: How to Design Keyboard-Friendly Digital Content

In a world where inclusivity is a focus for most organisations, building accessible digital content has become more than an option: it’s necessary. Accessibility, particularly the ease with which keyboard users can navigate online resources, is a crucial aspect of digital inclusivity that should never be overlooked. However, this essential content creation piece can often fall by the wayside when designing content. This short blog will focus on creating keyboard-friendly content and offer practical tips.

The Importance of Keyboard-Friendly Digital Content

Access to online resources should be a right, not a privilege. For the millions of individuals who rely on keyboard navigation - due to disabilities or personal preference - keyboard-friendly content is a significant component of digital accessibility. Adherence to Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) is vital in this respect.

The WCAG is a series of guidelines designed to make online content more accessible to people with learning challenges. Notably, keyboard accessibility falls under the WCAG 2.1 Level A criteria, the most basic level of web accessibility. Therefore, creating friendly content for keyboard users isn't just about inclusivity but compliance.

Practical Tips for Designing Keyboard-Friendly Digital Content

Now that we've established the importance of keyboard-friendly content let's delve into some practical ways of incorporating this aspect into your design.

Logical Tab Order

When designing content, ensure that the tab order follows a logical sequence. Users should be able to predict the next element in the navigation process. Typically, this would mean moving from left to right, top to bottom, and ensuring that any drop-down menus or complex features are fully navigable via keyboard commands alone.

Visible Keyboard Focus

The keyboard focus should always be visible so users know where they are on the page. High contrast and more prominent focus indicators can enhance visibility for users.

Skip Navigation Links

Incorporate 'skip to content' or 'skip navigation' links at the top of your pages. These links help users bypass lengthy navigation menus and quickly access the content they want to engage with.

Accessible Interactive Elements

If your content contains interactive elements, ensure they are keyboard-friendly. Allowing users to select options using the tab key and confirming their choice with the enter key is a good practice.

Testing

Last but certainly not least, always test your digital content for keyboard accessibility. Both automated testing tools and manual testing can help you identify potential keyboard navigation barriers.

Conclusion

Creating keyboard-friendly digital content involves paying attention to big-picture concepts and fine details. By focusing on the user’s experience and testing your content thoroughly, you'll be well on your way to creating an inclusive environment. By making your content keyboard-friendly, you're not just complying with regulations; you're expanding the reach of your content and ensuring that all learners, regardless of their abilities, can benefit from your resources and engage with your organisation with a communication approach that meets their needs.

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