I am reviewing the tab orders (and focus points) in a course we have to make sure that they follow a logical flow. We are working to make the course accessible and it needs to function with a screen reader and full keyboard navigation. Are there any best practices to how the tab order should flow on a page that anyone can share? For example, should it tab to (and show the yellow focus outline) on an image first or should the image come after the text in the order?
Along the same lines a Phil. Make sure it goes in a logical order. I also find it helpful to indicate what tab they are on (highlighting it, change color, etc) and then change the visited tabs in some way (change the color, add a check mark when they are visited, etc.) to indicate it's been read.
I'm glad this topic came up. I've only messed with the tab order one time. It was a course where the user was instructed to press the tab key for certain interactions. However, as Kristy mentioned, I wasn't sure of the logical flow. I probably need to go back to that course and redo it because I did not set it up to go left to right, top to bottom as others have mentioned. Thanks for the links to the additional threads, Christie. Very helpful!
Ditto.Ditto.Ditto Left to right, top to bottom BUT.... does this change if you are designing for a culture that reads right to left? (ex: Arabic). Just curious.
Same as everyone: left to right, top to bottom, unless of course the language is read right to left or top to bottom. And as Phil said, remove everything that is not needed.
When I create complex courses I always insert small character with caption with indication. Tabs should be ordered from left to right on bottom of your slide. Regarding colors please read mothis article Color Psychology: Interactive Infographic.
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Hi, Kristy --
While I am not an expert on 508 Compliance, I wanted to share information on a few different threads that may be of assistance, including this General Info on Storyline and Section 508 Accessibility, as well as this eBook on 6 Best Practices for Designing Accessible E-Learning:
I hope others in the community are able to chime in with additional assistance, as well. :)
I would echo what Christine has shared. Try and keep a logical tab order from left to right and top to bottom. remove anything that isn't required.
Left to right, top to bottom is the logical order that I follow.
Along the same lines a Phil. Make sure it goes in a logical order. I also find it helpful to indicate what tab they are on (highlighting it, change color, etc) and then change the visited tabs in some way (change the color, add a check mark when they are visited, etc.) to indicate it's been read.
I'm glad this topic came up. I've only messed with the tab order one time. It was a course where the user was instructed to press the tab key for certain interactions. However, as Kristy mentioned, I wasn't sure of the logical flow. I probably need to go back to that course and redo it because I did not set it up to go left to right, top to bottom as others have mentioned. Thanks for the links to the additional threads, Christie. Very helpful!
Ditto! Left to right, top to bottom, and make sure there's a clear visual indicator of where you are.
I'm with everyone here, Left to right, top to bottom
I agree left to right and top to bottom is a logical flow. Have you spoken to any users of this software for their expectations?
I agree left to right. Are there any foreign language implications?
I have once developed a course that was tested by blind and visually impaired people as it was made partially for them.
http://banki.fundacjavismaior.pl/
I agree left to right and top to bottom.
I haven't worked with tabs too much but left to right and top to bottom is the logical answer
Left to right and top to bottom does seem like the logical approach
Ditto.Ditto.Ditto Left to right, top to bottom BUT.... does this change if you are designing for a culture that reads right to left? (ex: Arabic). Just curious.
Richard - I would say YES! it should change based on how people read, very good idea :)
Left to right, however if a different order were going to be used, I'd set up a numbering some indicator to help users navigate.
Same as everyone: left to right, top to bottom, unless of course the language is read right to left or top to bottom. And as Phil said, remove everything that is not needed.
Hi, Kristy,
When I create complex courses I always insert small character with caption with indication. Tabs should be ordered from left to right on bottom of your slide. Regarding colors please read mothis article Color Psychology: Interactive Infographic.
Best regards,
Ionut
I see a mention of using colour to indicate visited state, unfortunately WCAG says to not use colour as the only indicator of an event.
I think left to right, top to bottom as well. I would also have something really clear to indicate what is highlighted. :)
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