Clarifying WCAG 2.4.7 Focus Visible

Hi all,


I’m hoping someone can help clarify SC WCAG 2.4.7 Focus Visible (
https://www.w3.org/WAI/WCAG21/Understanding/focus-visible.html) so my team
can best meet the requirement on our web platform.


Currently on the application, a focus border is displayed on many of our
interactive elements when they receive focus from a screen reader or a
keyboard. This border, however, also shows up after clicking the elements
when using a mouse or tapping it using a mobile device. We’re debating if
the focus state when using a mouse or tapping is required to comply
with WCAG guidelines for focus states.


Design team: “Focus states should only be displayed for input type fields
or when using assistive tooling. Focus states after clicking/tapping are
not wanted or necessary.”



Development team: “After interacting with an element in any way, the
element should receive focus, and therefore display a focus state.”




What’s your view on this behavior? Is it expected to visualize a focus
border after interaction (independently of the input method) to comply with
the guidelines or does it suffice to only show the focus border when
specifically using assistive tooling?


To be clear: we all agree that the focus state should appear for assistive
tools such as keyboard and screen readers. The debate is about if it should
also appear for tools such as a mouse, touch devices etc. The interactive
elements we are discussing are things like: buttons, checkboxes, tabs,
custom widgets, etc…



Thanks in advance,

Claire