Focus State Design

Focus Ring Design

Requirements

• Visible on all backgrounds (light and dark).
• Minimum 3:1 contrast ratio against surrounding area.
• Must not rely on color alone (use outline, not just color change).

Recommended Style

:focus-visible {
  outline: 2px solid var(--color-accent);
  outline-offset: 2px;
}

/* Remove default only when providing custom */
:focus:not(:focus-visible) {
  outline: none;
}

Focus Management

• Modal opens: focus moves to first interactive element inside.
• Modal closes: focus returns to the element that opened it.
• Dynamic content: focus moves to new content (toast, expanded section).
• Page navigation: focus moves to main content area.

Anti-Patterns

• outline: none without replacement (accessibility violation).
• Focus rings that are invisible on some backgrounds.
• Focus order that doesn't match visual order.
• No focus management in dynamic content (modals, drawers).