Lesson 4 of 9
Compare ways of navigating
The same interface information can feel radically different through a keyboard, touch screen, braille display, or TV remote.
Recognise how input methods shape focus, orientation, efficiency, and interaction.
Linear and spatial models
Swipe and keyboard navigation often expose a sequence. TV interfaces frequently emphasise spatial movement. A product needs a coherent order in both models when both are supported.
Keyboard
Commands may move by object, heading, link, form field, line, character, region, or application-specific structure.
Touch
Users may explore by moving a finger across the screen or swipe sequentially through accessible objects.
Braille
A refreshable display presents a limited window of text and often includes routing and navigation controls.
Remote
Directional movement through spatial rows and grids makes position, boundaries, and predictable focus especially important.
What to remember
Do not infer the non-visual navigation order from visual proximity alone.
Try this with your team
Draw the focus path through one screen for keyboard, touch swipes, and a directional remote. Where do the paths differ?