What is the role of focus indicators in web accessibility?

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What is the role of focus indicators in web accessibility?

The role of focus indicators in web accessibility is to provide a visual indication of which element on a webpage currently has keyboard focus. This is particularly important for users who navigate websites using a keyboard or other assistive technologies, as they rely on the ability to see where their focus is in order to interact with the content effectively.

Focus indicators typically appear as a highlighted outline or a change in color around the focused element, such as a link or a form input field. They help users understand where they are on a webpage and which element will receive their input when they interact with it using the keyboard.

By ensuring that focus indicators are clearly visible and distinguishable from the surrounding content, web designers and developers can improve the accessibility of their websites. This allows users with disabilities, such as visual impairments or motor disabilities, to navigate and interact with the content more easily and efficiently.

In addition to meeting accessibility guidelines and standards, providing clear focus indicators also enhances the overall user experience for all users. It helps to reduce confusion and frustration, as users can easily identify their current location and navigate through the website without any difficulties.

Overall, focus indicators play a crucial role in web accessibility by providing a visual cue for keyboard users, enabling them to navigate and interact with web content effectively.