No Keyboard Trap

Success criterion 2.1.2 · Level A

No Keyboard Trap

Keyboard focus should never get stuck on one element; it should always be possible to move it away using only the keyboard.

Principle 2: Operable · Guideline 2.1: Keyboard Accessible

What each role can do

Product manager

Make sure keyboard users can navigate through all elements easily.

Designer

Indicate keyboard focus clearly and avoid elements that could trap keyboard navigation.

Developer

Make sure to provide ways to exit menus or modals via keyboard commands.

Tester

Run comprehensive tests to make sure there are no keyboard traps.

Once it is fixed

“Thank you for giving me back control of my keyboard. You're a real lifesaver!”