In the world of web accessibility, it’s the little things that make a big difference. And when it comes to interactive controls, one of the most important little things is to avoid nesting them. Interactive controls are elements that a user can interact with, such as buttons, links, and form fields. When you nest one interactive control inside of another, you can create a confusing and frustrating experience for your users. This guide will explore the dangers of nesting interactive controls and how to fix it.
Think of your website as a set of Russian dolls. You want to make sure that each doll is separate and distinct. The same is true for your website. By avoiding nesting your interactive controls, you can create a more accessible and user-friendly experience for everyone. For a deeper dive into the world of accessibility, see our article on accessibility.
Your Guide to a More Accessible and User-Friendly Website
Fixing nested interactive controls is a simple but important task. Here’s how to do it:
- Identify Your Nested Interactive Controls: Use an accessibility testing tool like Creeper to crawl your site and identify any nested interactive controls.
- Un-nest Your Interactive Controls: The best way to fix this issue is to simply un-nest your interactive controls. If you need to have two interactive controls that are related to each other, you should place them next to each other, not inside of each other.
The SEO Power of an Accessible Website
An accessible website is a more successful website. By making your website more accessible, you can improve your user experience, reach a wider audience, and even improve your SEO. For more on the importance of a well-structured website, check out this guide to interactive elements from MDN.
Don’t let your website be a confusing and frustrating experience for your users. By taking the time to avoid nesting your interactive controls, you can build a more accessible and successful online presence. For more on how to create a winning on-page strategy, see our article on on-page SEO.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are interactive controls?
Interactive controls are elements that a user can interact with, such as buttons, links, and form fields.
Why should I not nest my interactive controls?
You should not nest your interactive controls because it can create a confusing and frustrating experience for your users. It can also be a major barrier for users who are blind or have low vision, as they may not be able to access the nested controls.
How do I fix nested interactive controls?
The best way to fix nested interactive controls is to simply un-nest them. If you need to have two interactive controls that are related to each other, you should place them next to each other, not inside of each other.
Ready to un-nest your interactive controls? Start your Creeper audit today and see how you can improve your website’s accessibility.