Test without a pointer
Put the mouse aside and open the homepage with a keyboard. Press Tab from the address bar and record the first few stops. The sequence should lead through useful controls in a predictable order. If the focus disappears, jumps into a hidden menu or reaches decorative artwork, there is a concrete navigation problem to fix.
Prefer native controls
A real link with an href supports navigation, while a button supports an action such as opening a menu. These elements bring familiar keyboard behavior. A clickable div requires extra work for focus, roles, keys and disabled states, and it is easy to implement only the click handler while leaving the keyboard interaction incomplete.
Keep the order in the document
Let the natural DOM order define the tab sequence. Positive tabindex values create a second ordering system that becomes fragile as the page changes. If a sidebar looks right but is reached at an unexpected point, inspect the source order and layout rules before trying to repair the experience by numbering focusable elements.
Design visible focus states
A focused control needs an indicator that works against its actual background. On a silver card, a plum outline can be more legible than a pale shadow. Give the outline breathing room and make sure overflow clipping does not cut it off. Hover styling alone cannot communicate where a keyboard user currently is.
Explain expanded navigation
For a mobile disclosure menu, keep the toggle button’s expanded state synchronized with the visible panel. Hidden links should not remain in the tab order. Escape can dismiss the open menu and return focus to its toggle. A normal navigation disclosure does not need the arrow-key behavior of an application-style menubar.
Check complete user journeys
Follow the route from homepage to project, then to contact, using only the keyboard. Open and close navigation, activate a download and reach the footer. Repeat at narrow widths and with browser zoom. A keyboard check is most useful when it covers an actual task instead of merely counting how many controls can receive focus.
Further reading
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