Show which table column is sorted and in which direction

What to change

Ask the supplier to make sorting a clearly identified action with an accurate visible and accessible state.

A worked example

Illustrative example

A location list identifies Name, ascending after the first activation and Name, descending after the next, with the corresponding row order visible.

How to check the result

Accept when one intended sort state is clearly shown and announced, and the rows consistently follow the agreed ordering.

A mistake to avoid

An arrow icon can be mistaken for a dropdown unless its relationship to sorting and its current direction are 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 recordActivate a sortable heading twice and compare the first and last rows. Check the displayed direction matches the actual ordering each time.Use a keyboard and screen reader to select another column. Ask the supplier to demonstrate how the newly active sort and inactive previous sort are identified.Test repeated values and blank cells. Agree how these are ordered so the result does not appear arbitrary to someone comparing records.

Evidence, open questions and decisionsNext action and responsible role

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