Focus Management
Focus management is the practice of programmatically moving and visualising keyboard focus through an interactive UI — critical for accessibility (screen reader and keyboard-only users) and for AODA compliance.
In context
Focus management failures (no visible focus indicator, focus trapped in modals, focus jumping unpredictably after a SPA route change) make a site unusable for many users with disabilities. AODA in Ontario, ACA federally, and provincial accessibility legislation make accessibility a legal as well as ethical and SEO concern. Best practices: visible focus rings on every interactive element, programmatic focus on modal open and on SPA route change, focus trap inside modals, focus restoration when modal closes.
A Toronto B2B SaaS audit found their main modal trapped keyboard users — implementing proper focus management restored accessibility and resolved the AODA-compliance gap surfaced by an enterprise prospect's procurement team.
Have a question this didn't answer?
Book a free 60-minute strategy call. We'll explain how this concept applies to your specific situation.