Accessible Forms with Pseudo Classes

This tutorial demonstrates building an accessible contact form using semantic HTML and the CSS :focus-within pseudo-class. focus-within provides excellent focus management, enhancing user experience and accessibility. Before diving into the code, let's review web accessibility fundamentals.

Web Accessibility: A11y in Practice

Accessibility (a11y) encompasses various aspects. Physically, it includes ramps, large-print materials, and accessible restrooms. Digitally, it extends to features like sufficient color contrast, screen reader compatibility, and assistive technology support. This tutorial focuses on web accessibility, adhering to Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG).

The :focus-within pseudo-class is invaluable for highlighting user interaction. It allows for dynamic styling changes, such as altering the form's background color or modifying label styles when an input field receives focus. This improves the user experience, especially for those using assistive technologies.

Understanding Focus in Web Accessibility

Focus is the visual cue indicating user interaction with a page element. CSS enables styling focused elements. Crucially, never remove the default focus indicator (outline) using outline: 0; or outline: none;. This removes crucial visual feedback for all users, including those relying on assistive technologies. If styling adjustments are needed, preserve the outline and add custom styles.

Avoid this:

:focus {
  outline: 0;
}

:focus {
  outline: none;
}

Leveraging :focus-within

The :focus-within pseudo-class styles an element when any descendant element within it has focus. This is particularly useful for forms.

:focus-within Example

HTML

First Name

Last Name

Phone Number

Message

CSS

form:focus-within {
  background: #ff7300; /* Orange background */
  color: black;
  padding: 10px;
}

This CSS adds an orange background, black text, and padding to the form when any input is focused.

Another example: styling labels on focus.

HTML (Part 2)

First Name: Last Name: Phone number: Message:

CSS (Part 2)

label {
  display: block;
  margin-right: 10px;
  padding-bottom: 15px;
}

label:focus-within {
  font-weight: bold;
  color: red;
  font-size: 1.6em;
}

This styles labels within the form, making them bold, red, and larger when their associated input is focused. focus-within enjoys broad browser support.

Conclusion

Prioritizing accessible user experiences is paramount. Developers and leadership should be mindful of user needs and strive to create inclusive digital spaces. Semantic HTML and CSS techniques, like :focus-within, are powerful tools for building accessible and user-friendly web applications. For further information on :focus-within, consult the CSS-Tricks Almanac.

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