Header should not be automatically editable on focus

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 135 views

Introduction

As we strive to create a more inclusive and accessible digital experience, it is essential to review and refine our components to ensure they meet the highest standards of accessibility. In this article, we will focus on improving the edit title prop for the Page Header component, a crucial element in our UI library. After a thorough review with our accessibility (a11y) team, we have identified areas for improvement, and this article outlines the proposed changes, requirements, tasks, and open questions.

Requirements

To enhance the accessibility of the Page Header component, we have established the following requirements:

Header should not be automatically editable on focus: This means that when a user navigates to the header using a keyboard or other assistive technology, the header should not automatically enter an editable state. Instead, the user should be able to initiate the edit mode explicitly.
Default state could be a persistent edit icon next to title instead of reveal on hover: Currently, the edit icon is only visible when the user hovers over the title. We propose making the edit icon visible by default, next to the title, and allowing users to initiate the edit mode by clicking on the icon.

Tasks

To implement these improvements, we have identified the following tasks:

Draft more accessible ways to edit title: We will explore alternative approaches to editing the title, such as using a button or a link, and ensure that these approaches are accessible and intuitive.
Get feedback from a11y team: We will share our proposed solutions with the a11y team and gather feedback to ensure that our changes meet the highest standards of accessibility.
Chose design direction: Based on the feedback from the a11y team, we will select a design direction that balances accessibility with usability and aesthetics.
Make specs: We will create detailed specifications for the updated Page Header component, including the new edit title prop.

Open Questions

As we embark on this improvement journey, we have several open questions that require further discussion and consideration:

Should we update the current header alongside the new page header version?: We need to decide whether to update the existing Page Header component simultaneously with the new version or to introduce the changes in the new version only.
How will this affect the update and edit pattern?: We must consider how the changes to the edit title prop will impact the overall update and edit pattern in our UI library, ensuring that the new approach is consistent and intuitive.

Benefits of Improved Accessibility

By enhancing the accessibility of the Page Header component, we can provide a better experience for users with disabilities, including:

Improved usability: Users with disabilities will be able to navigate and interact with the Page Header component more easily.
Increased inclusivity: The updated component will be more accessible to users with disabilities, promoting a more inclusive digital experience.
Enhanced user experience: The improved accessibility will also benefit users without disabilities, as they will be able to interact with the component more efficiently and effectively.

Design Considerations

When designing the updated Page Header component, we must consider the following factors:

Consistency: The new edit title prop should be consistent with other components in our UI library, ensuring a cohesive and intuitive user experience.
Usability: The updated component should be easy to use and navigate, even for users with disabilities.
Aesthetics: The design should be visually appealing and consistent with our brand guidelines.

Conclusion

Q: What is the current state of the Page Header component's edit title prop?

A: Currently, the edit title prop is automatically editable on focus, and the edit icon is only visible when the user hovers over the title. This can be confusing for users with disabilities, as it may not be clear how to initiate the edit mode.

Q: Why is it necessary to update the edit title prop?

A: Updating the edit title prop is necessary to improve the accessibility and usability of the Page Header component. By making the edit icon visible by default and allowing users to initiate the edit mode explicitly, we can provide a more inclusive and intuitive user experience.

Q: How will the updated edit title prop affect users with disabilities?

A: The updated edit title prop will improve the accessibility of the Page Header component for users with disabilities, including:

Improved usability: Users with disabilities will be able to navigate and interact with the Page Header component more easily.
Increased inclusivity: The updated component will be more accessible to users with disabilities, promoting a more inclusive digital experience.
Enhanced user experience: The improved accessibility will also benefit users without disabilities, as they will be able to interact with the component more efficiently and effectively.

Q: What are the benefits of making the edit icon visible by default?

A: Making the edit icon visible by default will:

Improve usability: Users will be able to initiate the edit mode more easily, as the edit icon is always visible.
Increase accessibility: The updated component will be more accessible to users with disabilities, as they will be able to interact with the component more easily.
Enhance user experience: The improved accessibility will also benefit users without disabilities, as they will be able to interact with the component more efficiently and effectively.

Q: How will the updated edit title prop affect the overall update and edit pattern in our UI library?

A: The updated edit title prop will not significantly affect the overall update and edit pattern in our UI library. The changes will be consistent with our existing components and will not introduce any new complexities.

Q: What is the proposed design direction for the updated Page Header component?

A: The proposed design direction for the updated Page Header component is to make the edit icon visible by default, next to the title, and allowing users to initiate the edit mode by clicking on the icon. This design direction balances accessibility with usability and aesthetics.

Q: How will the updated Page Header component be tested for accessibility?

A: The updated Page Header component will be tested for accessibility using a variety of methods, including:

Manual testing: Users with disabilities will be asked to test the component and provide feedback on its accessibility.
Automated testing: Automated tools will be used to test the component's accessibility and identify any issues.
Accessibility audits: Accessibility audits will be conducted to ensure that the component meets the highest standards of accessibility.

Q: What is the timeline for implementing the updated Page Header component?

A: The timeline for implementing the updated Page Header component is currently being determined. We will provide regular updates on the project's progress and will ensure that the component is released in a timely manner.