liveBook · Manning

Keyboard interaction

As explained in WordPress Power Toolkit: Harness AI to build next-level websites

Keyboard navigation is an interaction technique that allows users to move through and operate interface components using keyboard controls.

Keyboard interaction lets visitors move through and operate website components without a mouse. It removes an important access barrier for people who cannot use a mouse comfortably and supports the operable principle of accessibility. section 8.6.2 section 8.6

When reviewing a website or theme, check that:

  • Visitors can move through page content and controls by pressing Tab, without requiring a mouse. section 8.6.2
  • Tabbing reveals useful captions and lets visitors reach a skip link for bypassing banners, long menus, or repeated content. section 8.6.2
  • Keyboard access works alongside assistive technologies, including screen readers, custom controls, and magnifiers. section 8.6.2
  • Run an accessibility check with axe DevTools in Chrome, Edge, or Firefox, then review the suggested fixes yourself. section 8.6.2

A simple keyboard check

Open the website frontend, put the mouse aside, and press Tab repeatedly. Confirm that the focus moves through meaningful controls, that captions identify the destinations, and that a skip link can bypass repeated navigation. Treat automated findings as useful guidance rather than complete proof, because accessibility tools cannot detect every issue. section 8.6.2

How WordPress Power Toolkit: Harness AI to build next-level websites covers it

How deep it goes
Defines keyboard access, explains Tab-based navigation and skip links, and stops short of implementation details.
Examples
Uses Tab traversal, skip links, theme checks, and axe DevTools accessibility testing as concrete examples.
What you can do after
Evaluate keyboard access by testing page traversal, reviewing focus labels, and checking accessibility findings.
How it connects
Connects keyboard interaction with accessibility, WCAG, screen readers, ARIA roles, assistive technology, and skip links.

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This explainer was generated by Manning's knowledge graph from the text of WordPress Power Toolkit: Harness AI to build next-level websites. The section links point to the parts of the book it draws on.