Layout & accessibility

Store directory: Can the page be used without a mouse?

By Benchmark Enterprise Systems, LLC · Published

Editorial review assigned to Ryan Schober · Review pending

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The direct answer

Interactive elements should be reachable and operable through a keyboard where the interface requires interaction. A visually obvious control can still be unavailable to someone using another input method. For this store directory, the practical test is whether each directory entry opens the branch and directions it names.

Can the page be used without a mouse?

Start with a customer choosing between two operating branches. The keyboard access check concerns the active-location inventory and each entry’s real destination. A directory may mix retired records and current branches, or combine a correct street with an incorrect city. Confirm the underlying inventory before editing display text.

A directory is a collection of distinct places. Its default record must not overwrite every branch or keep a closed record appearing active.

Check it on this page

Choose two branches with different schedules and contact details, follow each destination, and compare the published facts.

  • Tab through the controls in a meaningful order.
  • Open menus and operate links with the keyboard.
  • Check the return from any expanded or modal state in an approved preview.

A shared link treatment underlined an entire content block

One reviewed page applied hover underlining to a large linked area, making the whole block look like linked text. The repair needed to address the scope of the style rather than rewriting the content.

For this store directory, the check focuses on the active-location inventory and each entry’s real destination. Style the action label deliberately and check the pointer and keyboard states after changing a shared rule.

Repair the source, then check the published result

Repair inaccessible controls and preserve suitable native behavior. Retest entry, interaction and recovery instead of checking only the first focusable element.

Record the keyboard access result for this destination, then repeat the customer route until each directory entry opens the branch and directions it names. If the repair changed a shared component, compare another destination with different approved facts to detect unintended copying.

Explore a relevant example

The linked findings show documented public identity and customer-path problems. They illustrate a review method, not the current state of an unnamed company.

Further reading

Platform guidance can change. Consult the current official documentation before making platform-specific changes.

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