keyboardfriendly

Keyboard-friendly is a term used to describe software, websites, or interfaces that can be used effectively with a keyboard alone, without a pointing device. The term is commonly written as keyboard-friendly, but variants such as keyboard friendly or keyboardfriendly are also seen. It emphasizes accessible navigation, operation, and control for users who cannot or prefer not to use a mouse.

Core principles include a logical and predictable tab order, visible focus indicators, the ability to activate all features via keyboard, skip links, and accessible dialogs. Ensure all interactive controls can be reached by the Tab key and activated with Enter or Space. Provide alternative input methods where appropriate.

Implementation involves using semantic HTML elements (buttons, links, inputs) and avoiding reliance on mouse-only events. Manage focus programmatically when content changes, trap focus within modal dialogs, and ensure ARIA roles or labels where native semantics are insufficient. Use explicit focus styles to keep the active element obvious to users.

Testing should verify keyboard navigation with Tab and Shift+Tab, and arrow keys where appropriate. Also test with screen readers, check dynamic content announcements, and ensure skip navigation works. Identify and fix focus traps, hidden elements that are tabbed to, and any custom widgets that are not keyboard accessible.

Context and impact: Keyboard-friendly design improves accessibility, usability, and compliance with WCAG criteria such as 2.1.1 Keyboard and 2.4.3 Focus order. It is increasingly expected in inclusive product design and can benefit all users, including those on mobile devices with external keyboards.