Pathwise

Manuals / Accessibility Testing / Chapter 2

A · Core audits · beginner · ~35 min · Chapter 2 of 6

Keyboard & focus

If you can’t tab through it, assistive tech usually can’t either. Focus order and visible rings are non-negotiable.

Path progress
33%

Step 1 of 1

Unplug the mouse

Complete a primary flow with keyboard only. Note traps, missing focus, and weird order.

Unplug the mouseDrag stickies · tap for tips
Study mapDrag stickies · tap for tipsKeep it shortdrag · tap →Name the waitdrag · tap →Scope locatorsdrag · tap →Trace when stuckdrag · tap →One browser firstdrag · tap →Isolate statedrag · tap →Assert the UIdrag · tap →Retry wiselydrag · tap →Seed datadrag · tap →Close the loopdrag · tap →Keep it shortdrag · tap →Name the waitdrag · tap →Scope locatorsdrag · tap →Trace when stuckdrag · tap →One browser firstdrag · tap →Isolate statedrag · tap →Pathwise hackdrag · tap →Unplug the mousedrag · tap →Try thisdrag · tap →Follow the dashed drag · tap →

Do this now

Record a 60-second Loom (or notes) of the keyboard path.

Pro tip: Escape should close modals. Focus should return to the opener.

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Chapter learning outcomes
  • Tab order
  • Focus visibility
  • Skip links & traps

Clear these before you leave

Side quest

Keyboard bug

File one keyboard defect with steps, expected, and severity.