Focus Indicators and Why They Matter
When you move through a page with the keyboard, the element you are currently on is said to have focus. A focus indicator — usually an outline or highlight — shows where you are. Without it, keyboard users are navigating blind.
Browsers add a default indicator automatically, but it is often removed during styling. Keeping a clear, visible focus state is essential and easy to get right.
What a Good Indicator Looks Like
The focused element should stand out clearly against its surroundings, with enough contrast and size to be obvious at a glance.
- Visible on every interactive element.
- High enough contrast to spot quickly.
- Consistent across the whole site.
A Common Mistake
Designers sometimes hide focus outlines because they consider them unattractive. We instead design a focus style that fits the brand, so the site stays both beautiful and usable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can we style the focus outline to match our brand?
Yes. We routinely create custom focus styles that look polished while remaining clearly visible and compliant.
If you need a hand with any of this, your Progressive Robot delivery team is ready to help. Raise a ticket from the Support area of your client portal or speak to your account manager and we will guide you through the next steps.