As an experienced WordPress webmaster, I‘m always exploring ways to optimize site navigation. After improving countless sites over 15 years, I firmly believe arrow key functionality is an underused gem.
Implementing simple arrow key navigation can greatly enhance your users‘ experience browsing content.
In this comprehensive guide for beginner users, we‘ll dive deep on how to add this accessibility feature. I‘ll share insider tips to customize arrow keys based on my expertise. Let‘s level up your site navigation!
Contents
Before we add the code, it‘s important to understand why arrow key navigation matters:
It makes consumption effortless. Studies show 39% of website visitors expect a seamless, unified experience across devices. Tapping the intuitive left and right arrow keys creates a smooth browsing flow.
It caters to diverse needs. For users with motor impairments, arrow keys may be easier to use than hover menus or small buttons. Arrow navigation caters to different abilities.
It enables scanning patterns. Humans naturally scan content in an F-pattern. Arrow keys make moving through headlines or sections simple for users.
It facilitates discovery. When users realize they can access more content with arrows, they may eagerly explore further down the rabbit hole!
Now that you know the benefits, let‘s get this set up on your site. There are two solid options…
Hardcore webmasters, this method is for you! By adding a tiny code snippet, we can enable arrow keys sitewide:
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Using FTP or your host file manager, open your theme‘s functions.php file.
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At the bottom before the closing
?>tag, paste this:
document.onkeydown = function(e) {
if(e.keyCode == 37) {
window.location = "<?php echo get_permalink(get_previous_post()); ?>";
}
if(e.keyCode == 39) {
window.location = "<?php echo get_permalink(get_next_post()); ?>";
}
}- Save changes and refresh your site. Arrow key navigation should now work!
Here‘s what‘s happening:
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We use JavaScript to detect left (37) or right (39) arrow key presses.
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The PHP functions get the post permalinks before and after the current.
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We redirect the browser to smoothly hop between posts!
To customize, try adding animations or transitions between navigation for extra flair. The possibilities are endless to enhance the experience.
Method 2: Use a Dedicated Plugin
If code isn‘t your thing, no worries! The Arrow Keys Navigation plugin makes this a cinch:
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In your WP dashboard, go to Plugins > Add New.
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Search for "Arrow Keys Navigation" and Install then Activate it.
That‘s seriously all it takes! The plugin seamlessly enables arrow key browsing of your blog posts site-wide.
While limited to posts only, it‘s a foolproof option to enable basic navigation fast. And you can always deactivate later if adding custom code.
Guide Users with Indicators
Now that navigation is enabled, let visitors know it‘s there!
Consider adding a small message, tooltip or icon indicating arrow key functionality. For example:
Use ← → arrow keys to browse articles
Proactively guiding users creates a better experience. Subtle visual cues also work great, like highlighting the current post‘s title.
Test it out and get creative with surfacing this feature!
Parting Words of Wisdom
Arrow keys may seem like a minor detail, but they provide huge improvements to site navigation when implemented purposefully.
As you continue optimizing your WordPress site, keep accessibility and user experience at the core. Small enhancements like arrow key browsing really do have an impact.
Now go on, explore implementing arrow navigation to facilitate discovery and keep visitors engaged!
