Distinguish focused options from selected options

What to change

Ask the supplier to show focus and selection as separate understandable states wherever the control's interaction model distinguishes them.

A worked example

Illustrative example

In a choice list that requires confirmation, the current selection keeps a check marker while a separate outline shows the option the keyboard is exploring.

How to check the result

Accept when users can identify both their current choice and their current interaction point, with behaviour matching the documented control pattern.

A mistake to avoid

Forcing every custom selector to behave identically can conflict with familiar expectations; choose an appropriate pattern and make its states clear.

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 recordSelect one option, then use keyboard navigation to move focus to another without activating it where supported. Compare the visible markers and announced states.Activate the focused option and verify that the selected marker moves at the intended moment. Ask the supplier to explain any control that intentionally selects on movement.Repeat at enlarged zoom and with reduced colour distinction. Both states should remain recognisable without remembering the previous highlight.

Evidence, open questions and decisionsNext action and responsible role

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