[wp-hackers] Usability problems with accesskeys

[Mike Little]

On 11/10/05, Denis de Bernardy <denis at semiologic.com> wrote:
> > They [accesskeys] make Web interfaces as productive as native
> > desktop software.
>
> I disagree with this statement. Unless I am mistaking, most people who
> actually use keyboard short cuts are fluent with computer programming. I


Denis,
You and others are missing the REAL point of access keys. They are for
people who are using assistive technologies. For example, people who
have shaky hands and cannot use a mouse very precisely. It is a big
help to them if the tab order works correctly and they can use access
keys to move around the various controls or just sections of the page.
It is also important for people who cannot see the screen to be able
to move around the page in a logical and convenient way. They cannot
scan the page and click on the item they want to deal with.  They need
to be able to jump around with the keyboard and tab from control to
control.

Mike
--
Mike Little
http://zed1.com/journalized/