User Experience
Focus Order
Definition
Focus order defines the sequence in which interactive elements receive focus when navigating with a keyboard.
In practice
Used to ensure logical and accessible glossaryNavigationHow users move around a website or product.Open glossary term.
The reality
Poor focus order makes glossaryInterfaceAn interface is the point of interaction between a user and a system, where inputs are made and outputs are received. It can be visual, physical, or conversational.Open glossary term unusable for keyboard users.
Plain English
The order things are selected when tabbing.
FAQ
Common questions
A few practical answers to the questions that usually come up around this term.
What is focus order?
It is the sequence of keyboard glossaryNavigationHow users move around a website or product.Open glossary term.
Why is focus order important?
It ensures serviceAccessibilityFind accessibility issues early, improve usability, and build products that are more inclusive, usable, and compliant.Open service and glossaryUsabilityUsability is how easy and efficient it is for users to complete tasks within a product. It focuses on clarity, simplicity, and reducing effort so users can achieve their goals without confusion or friction.Open glossary term.
What is good focus order?
Logical and matching visual glossaryLayoutLayout is the arrangement of elements on a page or screen, determining how content is organised and presented. It influences readability, usability, and overall experience.Open glossary term.
What happens if it is wrong?
glossaryNavigationHow users move around a website or product.Open glossary term becomes confusing.
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