Directional Navigation Part 1 (Screen Reader)

Vibe Check – Why Directional Navigation Can Harm Screen Reader Accessibility

One common mistake in web design is using directional navigation instructions, such as “go to the bottom of the page” or “click the button on the right.” While this might seem harmless for sighted people, it can create significant accessibility barriers for those who navigate the web using screen readers.

Screen reader navigation is not visual—it is structured and sequential. People using screen readers rely on headings, landmarks, and keyboard shortcuts, rather than scrolling or spatial references.

Let’s explore why directional navigation is problematic and how designers can create a more accessible experience for people using screen readers.

A Personal Story – When Navigation Didn’t Make Sense

I once tested a website using only a screen reader, just to see how well it worked. Everything was going fine until I hit an instruction that said, “Click the green button on the right to continue.”

The problem? My screen reader didn’t announce anything about a green button, and “on the right” meant nothing in a non-visual context. I had to navigate manually, guessing which button was correct, making what should have been a quick action unnecessarily frustrating.

That experience made me realize just how many accessibility barriers are created by assuming people navigate visually.

Elevate the Vibe – How Screen Readers Navigate the Web

Screen Readers Don’t Navigate Visually

People who use screen readers don’t scan pages or scroll manually the way sighted people do. Instead, they rely on assistive technology features to move through content efficiently and structurally.

Key ways screen readers help people interact with content:

Keyboard Shortcuts – Move between headings, tables, lists, and links instantly.
Headings & Landmarks – Jump to specific sections of a page based on content structure.
Link Lists – Browse and select links from an auto-generated list, skipping irrelevant content.
Form Controls – Navigate between input fields, buttons, and menus using keyboard-only input.

When websites use visual instructions like “scroll down” or “click the button on the left,” they assume a sighted experience that doesn’t match how screen readers work.

Self-Reflection – Are You Creating Barriers for People Using Screen Readers?

Directional navigation forces screen reader users to:

Manually search for content instead of jumping directly to it.
Listen to unnecessary page elements before reaching their intended destination.
Guess where elements are located based on unclear instructions.

Ask yourself:

Does my site rely on visual-based instructions like “see the button below”?
Have I structured my content with clear headings and landmarks?
Have I tested navigating my site without a mouse to spot accessibility issues?
Am I using descriptive link text instead of vague phrases like “click here”?

If your design depends on visual placement, it’s time to rethink how navigation is structured for all people.

Vibe in Action – Best Practices for Screen Reader-Friendly Navigation

Use Descriptive Links Instead of Visual Directions

Avoid: “Click here to learn more.”
Use: “Read more about accessible navigation.”

Implement Skip Links for Faster Navigation

Allow people to bypass repeated elements (like navigation menus) and jump directly to main content.

Use Clear Headings and Landmarks

Structure content logically using H1 → H2 → H3 for easy navigation.
Define sections using semantic HTML (e.g., <main>, <nav>, <footer>).

Label Forms and Buttons Clearly

Instead of vague buttons like “Submit”, use “Send Application” for clarity.
Ensure ARIA attributes help screen readers interpret interactive elements correctly.

Test Without a Mouse or Visual Cues

Navigate your site using only a keyboard or a screen reader to experience how accessible (or frustrating) it is for non-sighted people.

Vibing Out

Directional navigation assumes everyone interacts with a website visually, which excludes people using screen readers and disrupts usability.

By replacing visual-based instructions with structured navigation techniques, designers create a more accessible, efficient, and frustration-free experience for people using screen readers.