Keep people oriented after removing a file or filter

What to change

Ask the supplier to give keyboard users a sensible next position after removing an item and make the remaining choices clear.

A worked example

Illustrative example

Removing the second of three filters places focus on a nearby remaining filter. Removing the final filter returns focus to the filter chooser.

Healthcare website design showing connected desktop and mobile service and enquiry layouts. — Make the service and next step clear on every screen.

Healthcare website accessibility illustrated by a focus outline, keyboard key, contrast samples and form. — Review keyboard access, contrast and understandable form fields.

Why this matters to your practice

After removing an attachment or selected filter, a visitor should remain near the work they were doing. If the keyboard marker vanishes with the deleted item, they may need to start navigating from the beginning. Ask your supplier to demonstrate removing the first, middle and final items separately. The sensible next place can differ in each case. You can judge the result without technical knowledge: is it immediately clear what remains and how to make the next change?

How to check the result

Accept when removal leaves the visitor oriented, with a reachable next action and an accurate account of what remains.

A mistake to avoid

Moving focus to the page heading after every small removal creates unnecessary travel and breaks the visitor's immediate task.

Turn reading into a next step

Your action checklist

Work through these checks with your team or supplier. Tick the ones you have resolved and leave unknowns open.

Checks to discussAdd several fictional items such as attachment placeholders or selected filters. Remove the middle item with a keyboard and observe the next focused control.Remove the last item and then the only remaining item. Check each boundary case has a sensible destination and a clear updated state.Have the supplier demonstrate the removal with a screen reader (software that reads the page aloud). The changed list should be understandable without forcing a full reread of unrelated content.

Your answers and notes

Record what you know, what is still missing and the answer you need from your team or supplier.

What happens next, and who will do it?

Use project decisions only, without personal, patient or confidential details. Entries stay in this page and are not submitted to Kay & Co. Copy or download before leaving; this page does not save your notes.

Related guides

Need help with this?

Tell us what is getting in the way. Kay & Co. can help you understand the options and turn the next step into something that works for your practice.

Explore websites & patient experience services or discuss your project.

Try the free Healthcare Digital Planner to find your starting priority.