Setting Focus on Page Load

Most of the time... don't ever do this.

In typical web documents (as opposed to applications), setting keyboard focus on page load creates more disadvantages than advantages for users of assistive technology.

You must not set focus on page load without strong justification that it does not create a barrier for users of assistive technology.

Disadvantages

• creates an inconsistency in navigation within the site/subsite since most pages do not set focus on page load

• sighted keyboard users that rely on keyboard shortcuts for navigation (Page Down/Spacebar, End, etc.) will need to leave the context of the text input in order to navigate

• screen reader users that rely on shortcuts for navigation will either need to leave the context of the input or exit "forms" mode in order to navigate

Advantages

• mouse users are saved one click

• can bring users attention to a critical error message

Exceptions

Specific MIND Patterns, such as Page Notice, may direct you to set focus on page load for critical error cases.