Marcelo Paiva

All criteriaPresent as slides

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Success criterion 2.4.12

Focus Not Obscured (Enhanced)

When a user interface component receives keyboard focus, no part of it is obscured by other content, ensuring complete visibility of the focused element.

  • Level AAA
  • Principle 2: Operable
  • Guideline 2.4: Navigable
  • New in WCAG 2.2

In a user’s words

“I need clear sightlines to navigate—ensure nothing's hiding my focus, not even a pixel!”

Who this helps: Visual Impairments, Motor Impairments

What each role can do

Product manager
Aim for the highest level of clarity by ensuring that no focused component is partially or fully obscured.
Designer
Design the user experience to keep the focus area completely unobscured, regardless of the site's dynamic content or overlays.
Developer
Develop web pages so that focused elements are always fully visible and not covered by any author-created content.
Tester
Conduct thorough accessibility testing to ensure that when elements receive focus, they are entirely visible.

Once it is fixed

“Spotlight on what matters—my focus. Thanks for making sure nothing gets in its way, not even for a second!”

The quotes are written to illustrate the criterion. They are not testimonials from real people. For the official wording, find 2.4.12 in the W3C quick reference for WCAG 2.2 (opens in a new tab).

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