Start a dialog at a useful reading position

What to change

Ask the supplier to place focus appropriately inside the dialog and identify its purpose when it opens.

A worked example

Illustrative example

Opening a contact-options dialog makes its heading and available choices clear, rather than leaving focus on the page's original Contact button.

How to check the result

Accept when each dialog begins in a useful, visible position that supports understanding and the next intended action.

A mistake to avoid

Always focusing the first input is not necessarily appropriate when a visitor needs to read an explanation before providing information.

Your action checklist

Use these checks to prepare a discussion with your team or supplier. Tick a check when you have recorded the decision or evidence, rather than when a feature has simply been promised.

Decisions to recordOpen the dialog using a keyboard and note the focused item. Check whether the title and any essential explanation are available before the first decision.Ask the supplier to demonstrate the opening with a screen reader. The visitor should recognise the dialog and understand the task it contains.Repeat with a longer dialog and at enlarged zoom. An automatic jump to a lower input must not hide important introductory information.

Evidence, open questions and decisionsNext action and responsible role

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