What to change
Ask your supplier to make the chosen sort column and direction clear visually and through spoken feedback, with predictable controls for changing them.
A worked example
Illustrative example
A location list identifies Name, ascending after the first activation and Name, descending after the next, with the corresponding row order visible.
Why this matters to your practice
A sorted table should make its current order clear. A visitor comparing names or dates needs to know which column controls the list and whether its order runs forwards or backwards. Ask your supplier to show the initial state and each change, including through spoken feedback. Use realistic entries that make the order easy to judge. An arrow can support the explanation, but an unexplained symbol should not be the only way to understand what changed.
A practical review example
A list of locations may offer sorting by name or another useful value. Ask your supplier to show the initial order, activate one heading and explain the resulting direction. Use realistic entries whose sequence you can verify rather than identical placeholder rows. Repeat with keyboard and reading software. A small arrow can support the message, but it should not be the only explanation of which column controls the list or whether the next activation reverses its current order.
How to check the result
Accept when one intended sort state is clearly shown and announced, and the rows consistently follow the agreed ordering.
A mistake to avoid
An arrow icon can be mistaken for a dropdown unless its relationship to sorting and its current direction are clear.
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.
Record what you know, what is still missing and the answer you need from your team or supplier.
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.
Further reading
These sources provide background for the topic. The practice examples and checklist are illustrative planning suggestions from Kay & Co.
Related guides
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