How to design accessible collapsible regions and accordions in Figma that preserve keyboard navigation and screen reader clarity
This evergreen guide translates accessibility principles into practical Figma workflows, detailing keyboard-friendly collapsible regions and screen-reader aware patterns, plus testing methods, semantic structure, and real-world collaboration tips for designers and developers.
Accessibility in interactive components begins with a clear semantic structure, especially for collapsible regions and accordions. In Figma, you translate this logic into frames, groups, and naming conventions that mirror real DOM roles. Start by organizing each accordion item into a consistent hierarchy: a header that controls a panel, with explicit labels for expanded or collapsed states. Use descriptive layer names like "Accordion Item 1 Header" and "Accordion Item 1 Panel" to prevent ambiguity. Document the intended ARIA roles and states in a shared design note so engineers can map them accurately during implementation. Visual indicators should be accessible in color contrast and visible to users of assistive technology.
The first practical step is to design keyboard interactions that resemble native browser behavior. In Figma, simulate tabbing behavior by documenting logical focus order across items and panels, ensuring the header elements are inherently focusable in production. Represent focus rings and focus states clearly through guided frames or color cues, then translate these to code with CSS or framework components. Provide a keyboard guide within the design file: how to navigate between headers with Tab, expand or collapse with Enter or Space, and return to the main content with Escape. Pair this with explicit accessibility notes for developers.
Use explicit naming and state indicators across items
A consistent header-panel relationship is essential for both usability and assistive technology compatibility. In your Figma file, assign each item a predictable pattern: a visually distinct header that triggers its panel, followed by the panel that expands or contracts. The header should convey the action clearly, including its current state, without relying solely on color. Make sure icons or indicators that denote expansion are accessible to screen readers, either by text or systematic ARIA attributes in the final implementation. This consistency reduces cognitive load for users and simplifies development handoffs, since engineers can reuse the same component logic across multiple items and pages.
To preserve clarity, document the interaction model beyond visuals. Create a separate “ARIA Mapping” page or section in the project where you outline roles, states, and properties for each region. Include examples like role="region" with aria-labelledby tying the panel to its header, and aria-expanded reflecting the header’s current state. Maintain a simple language that avoids jargon and is usable by front-end developers and QA specialists. Pair these notes with a quick-reference diagram showing focus order, expanded states, and how screen readers announce changes. Regularly validate the model as you iterate on designs.
Focus management is where interaction meets user intent
Naming is a quiet but powerful accessibility tool in design systems. In Figma, set clear, descriptive names for every element of the accordion: the container, item header, panel, and status indicators. Include the state in the header name, for example, “Accordion Item 2 Header — Expanded” or “Collapsed,” to avoid ambiguity during reviews. For the panel, ensure the content is grouped logically and its visibility state corresponds to the header’s state. Visual states and text labels should align with the expected semantics when converted to code, so automation and QA can verify behavior without guessing. Document expectations for initial collapsed or expanded states.
Consider color, contrast, and typography deliberately. Accessibility isn’t only about function; it’s about readability and perception. Choose color contrasts that meet or exceed WCAG guidelines for text and interactive elements, even when states shift due to expansion. Avoid relying solely on color to convey state; use text labels like “Open” or “Closed,” plus a visible icon when possible. Adjust typography so headers remain legible at different sizes and in various environments. In your design system, define font weights, sizes, and line heights that stay consistent across all breakpoints. This consistency helps developers implement predictable, accessible components.
Ensure the structure mirrors semantic regions and landmarks
Focus management is central to accessible accordions. In design, model how focus moves as users interact with the component, ensuring a logical, linear flow. Represent this by sequencing headers in a predictable order, so pressing Tab navigates from one header to the next and never into a random panel. When a panel opens, the primary focus should land inside it for immediate interaction, while Escape should return focus to the header. Document these behaviors in a “Focus and Flow” section within the design file. Collaborate with developers to ensure code handles focus trapping within an expanded panel when necessary, especially for complex nested structures.
Testing focus and announcement behavior early saves rework later. Create a test plan that simulates keyboard navigation across the accordion, noting where focus lands and how screen readers announce changes. Invite accessibility-minded teammates to review the patterns, including people who rely on assistive technologies. Record any discrepancies between the visual state and the announced state, and propose precise fixes. Use real device testing when possible, as screen reader output can vary by platform. These checks become a core part of the design-to-development handoff, not a last-minute QA step.
Collaborate across disciplines to close gaps early
Semantics extend beyond labels to the structural layout of the page. In Figma, map each accordion container to a logical region, with headers acting as controls and panels as the content regions that reveal or conceal information. This semantic alignment guides developers in delivering accurate semantics in HTML or the chosen framework. For example, designate sections with appropriate landmark roles and ensure each header is associated with its panel via accessible labeling. A well-organized file reduces confusion for engineers and ensures assistive technologies encounter predictable, well-scoped regions. This approach supports both discoverability and navigational ease, particularly on long pages with multiple accordions.
Complement semantics with robust metadata that travels into code. Add design notes summarizing ARIA requirements, keyboard interactions, and expected ARIA states for every item. Include sample HTML snippets or component APIs to illustrate the intended structure. The goal is to translate the Figma design into a faithful, accessible implementation without guesswork. By embedding this information in the design file, you create a single source of truth that teams can reference during reviews, development, and maintenance. Encourage designers to update the metadata when iterations occur to keep the accessibility story coherent over time.
Accessibility design thrives through cross-disciplinary collaboration. Involve product managers, developers, QA, and assistive-technology users from the earliest stages. Share the Figma patterns as living documentation, inviting feedback on keyboard navigation, labeling, and panel behavior. Use collaborative features to annotate states, transitions, and edge cases, then incorporate adjustments before production. The collaborative loop shortens feedback cycles and minimizes late-stage rewrites. As teams align on expectations, you build a culture where accessibility is not an afterthought but a foundational criterion for all interactive components. This mindset helps ensure the final product remains inclusive to a diverse audience.
Finally, treat accessibility as an ongoing practice rather than a one-off check. Establish a routine for periodic reviews of collapsible patterns as your product evolves. Create a centralized library of accessible primitives for accordions that designers and developers can reuse with confidence. Include test scripts, real-user feedback, and automated checks that verify state transitions and focus behavior. By embedding accessibility into the design process from the start, you empower teams to deliver experiences that are usable, predictable, and inclusive at every interaction point, across devices, assistive technologies, and languages. This enduring discipline pays dividends in user trust and product quality.
