"A" element have no visual indicator for the focus state

[GoogleCodeExporter]

What steps will reproduce the problem?
1. Tab across "A" element, it's impossible to tell where the focus is

What is the expected output? What do you see instead?

A different state, eg; a dotted border or a color change

Example fix:

{{{
<style>
a:focus {
    border:1px dotted #ddd; 
}
</style>
}}}

Original issue reported on code.google.com by hainea...@gmail.com on 7 Oct 2009 at 3:53

[GoogleCodeExporter]

Original comment by sehmaschine on 7 Oct 2009 at 7:16

• Changed state: Accepted

[GoogleCodeExporter]

I theoretically understand what you mean by "tab across <a> element" but I'm
practically not able to tab across <a> elements. How are you doing that?

Original comment by parsch.inc@gmail.com on 27 Oct 2009 at 4:53

[GoogleCodeExporter]

If you are using IE or Firefox on Windows, then you can browse through links 
using
the TAB key. On Mac, TAB goes only through form elements (or it depends on some
settings in the Mac OS). You can check the visual presentation of focused links 
by
right-clicking on them and pressing ESC.

Original comment by aidas.be...@gmail.com on 30 Nov 2009 at 4:55

[GoogleCodeExporter]

Also works on all Linux browsers I tried.

Original comment by hainea...@gmail.com on 30 Nov 2009 at 5:07

[GoogleCodeExporter]

thanks for the advice, i'll have a look at that later (currently working on a 
cleanup
and systematization of the dom-structure).

maybe you can give me more input regarding that :focus-problem. why should one 
need
that? do you really browse through links with tab?

the :focus is hidden right now because i always thought it is strange that 
clicking
links applies this :focus-style you are claiming.

Original comment by parsch.inc@gmail.com on 30 Nov 2009 at 5:27

[GoogleCodeExporter]

It's actually more an accessibility related issue than a style issue.

Actual real-life example where this feature has been useful for me:

I made a web application for a client. The application is loaded on dedicated 
Linux
workstation. As soon as the OS boot Firefox is opened fullscreen and the web 
app is
loaded from the server.

The only input available for the employee is a barcode scanner. Inside a locked 
steel
box there is the workstation, and ups and a keyboard (for debuging purpose).. 
but no
mouse. Everything is designed to avoid any tempering from the employees.

When I have to debug I only use the keyboard to navigate the interface, activate
firebug, etc..

I know it's an edge case, but the day you need it, it's quite useful.

> “Checkpoint 2.4.7 Focus Visible: Any keyboard operable user interface has a 
mode of
operation where the keyboard focus indicator is visible. (Level AA)”
>
> - Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0

Original comment by hainea...@gmail.com on 30 Nov 2009 at 6:10

[GoogleCodeExporter]

Original comment by sehmaschine on 18 Dec 2009 at 10:33

• Added labels: Component-UI