When building pagination in a design tool, start by defining the core states a user might encounter: disabled, active, focused, and hovered. In accessible components, each state must be represented not only visually but through meaningful structure that assistive technologies can interpret. Use explicit label text for each element, ensuring verbs and indicators are clear about what action happens when activated. Consider how a screen reader will describe the control and its current status, and plan fallbacks for dynamic content such as a long list of pages or a change in the number of items shown per page. The goal is to keep interaction predictable while remaining flexible enough to accommodate different layouts and responsive breakpoints. This foundation supports consistent user experiences across platforms.
Next, map the pagination controls to keyboard interactions that mirror native web accessibility expectations. Users should reach the component via Tab and then move forward or backward with ArrowRight and ArrowLeft. Home and End keys should jump to the first and last pages, while the Enter or Space keys activate a selected page. In your Figma file, label each control with accessible names that reflect their function, such as “Previous page,” “Next page,” and “Go to page 5.” Group related controls logically, and provide a visible focus ring that clearly signals which element is active. This approach reduces cognitive load, supports fast navigation, and ensures keyboard users can bypass mouse-dependent workflows entirely, preserving efficiency and inclusivity.
Clear labeling and state signaling through structured components
Designing an accessible pagination in Figma begins with a semantic hierarchy that mirrors how a screen reader interprets components. Use a container role that communicates grouping and ensure each item—a page button, a “previous” control, a “next” control—not only looks interactive but also carries a descriptive label. Avoid ambiguous icons without text, and provide visible text labels alongside icons so that users who rely on screen readers and those with visual impairments receive the same information. When pages are collapsed or expanded, communicate the new state using aria-expanded semantics, even if that exact attribute isn’t rendered in your visual prototype. This reduces surprises for assistive technology users and strengthens overall usability.
Pair semantic structure with accessible visual cues that don’t rely solely on color. While color can signal state, it must not be the only means of conveyance. Use shape, contrast, and motion sparingly to indicate change, and ensure sufficient contrast against the background for readability. In your design file, assign explicit text equivalents for every control and ensure that changes in focus, hover, or active status are perceivable without color cues alone. Consider how pagination behaves in high-contrast modes or when zoomed. By embedding accessibility into the UI’s logic—through labels, roles, and state indicators—you create a resilient component that remains usable in varied contexts and on different devices, not just in ideal conditions.
Visual hierarchy and responsive behavior for multiple viewports
A well-structured pagination component in Figma uses a hierarchy that helps developers map visuals to accessible markup. Start with a wrapper that communicates its purpose, then place distinct controls for navigation, as well as a dynamic set of page items. Each element should have an aria-label that describes its action, and the current page should announce itself with an aria-current property or equivalent descriptive text. When the number of pages changes, ensure the updates are reflected in both the layout and the labeling. Use constraints and auto-layout to maintain consistency as the frame resizes. This approach guarantees that assistive technologies receive accurate, real-time information about the component’s state and boundaries.
Design patterns for scalable pagination also matter. Use a compact mode with a small, clearly labeled set of controls for mobile views, and an expanded mode that can reveal a broader range of page numbers on larger screens. Maintain a consistent tab order and predictable navigation flow, so pressing Tab lands on controls in the expected sequence. Where possible, provide shortcuts or skip links to jump to the main content after a page change to reduce unnecessary keystrokes. The choices you make in layout, naming, and state management directly affect how smoothly keyboard users can proceed through paginated content, and they influence how easily screen readers convey context to the listener.
Focus management and motion considerations for inclusivity
In designing for multiple viewports, establish a baseline set of paddings, gaps, and typography that remains stable as the frame width shifts. Use proportional spacing so the control remains touch-friendly without growing unwieldy on large canvases. Implement a predictable pattern for showing ellipses or truncated page ranges, and ensure their behavior is announced to assistive technologies. When a user expands to show more pages, animate only modestly to avoid distraction, and consider offering an option to disable motion for users who prefer reduced motion. A thoughtful, consistent pattern across breakpoints improves both discoverability and comprehension for all users, including those relying on screen readers.
Accessibility in pagination also benefits from predictable animation and timing. Provide short, meaningful transitions that do not obscure the current state of page selection, and ensure that keyboard focus remains visible throughout the interaction. Keep the focus within the pagination region when a user navigates, so there is no accidental focus drift to unrelated parts of the page. By coordinating focus, labeling, and state changes, you help users anticipate outcomes and validate their actions. A well-tuned animation strategy respects accessibility guidelines while preserving a polished, modern user experience.
Documentation and handoff practices for durable accessibility
Focus management starts with an intentional tab order that matches the logical sequence of controls. Place the Highest-priority actions—like the current page indicator or primary navigation buttons—within easy reach, and ensure that moving between items remains instantaneous and intuitive. For screen readers, confirm that the currently selected page is announced clearly, using a concise description such as “Page 3 of 12.” In design, model these states with consistent typography and iconography so that the visual cues align with the announced information. When users change pages, announce the new state to assistive devices, reinforcing a reliable feedback loop that minimizes confusion and reinforces trust in the interface.
Beyond basic keyboard support, provide alternate pathways for screen readers to understand the component’s structure. Include an accessible summary region that conveys the current range of pages and the total count, updated whenever the page set changes. For dynamic lists, consider live regions where changes are announced without requiring user action. In Figma, document these behaviors within component descriptions and ensure that developers can translate them into semantic HTML and ARIA roles in production. This extra layer of clarity helps teams implement robust, accessible pagination that remains resilient as product requirements evolve.
Effective documentation starts with precise labeling conventions for each element in the pagination system. Create a shared vocabulary that describes what each control does, how state changes are communicated, and what keyboard interactions are expected. Include examples of the aria-labels, aria-current values, and any conditional labels that depend on page context. In your handoff, attach the actual example code snippets, as well as visual references showing both normal and high-contrast modes. A thorough handoff reduces ambiguity, accelerates implementation, and increases the likelihood that the final product remains accessible across updates and different platforms.
Finally, test early and test often with real assistive technology and diverse user scenarios. Use keyboard-only navigation, screen reader demonstrations, and automated checks to verify compliance with accessibility standards. Iterative testing helps uncover edge cases, such as extremely long page lists or non-standard pagination shapes, that could hinder navigation. Document test results, capture actionable fixes, and revalidate after changes. When teams embed accessibility into the core design workflow, pagination components become robust, reusable building blocks that serve a broad audience and adapt gracefully to future needs.
