Design in Progress: Focus Order & Alt Text in Storyline

Welcome back to Cascade State Bank’s Counterfeit Cash Vigilance Training!

Last week, I shared a little snippet of how I work through adding and editing layers in Storyline. This week, I’m diving into Focus Order and making sure every element has meaningful alternative text.

And… apologies in advance for the number of “so’s” and “ums” in the video. It’s a tired Sunday, my voice is hanging on by a thread, and we’re rolling with it. But I still wanted to give you a real peek into my process!

There’s so much we need to consider as instructional designers when we talk about accessibility. In this video, I’m focusing specifically on Focus Order, with a bit of alt text sprinkled in. If you have tips, tools, or shortcuts you love for creating or streamlining Focus Order, feel free to drop them in the comments. I’m always up for learning something new - especially when it helps make learning more inclusive.

Why Focus Order and Alternative Text Matter

(In case you’re new to accessibility or want a quick refresher)

Focus Order controls the sequence in which a learner using a keyboard or assistive technology navigates through a slide or screen. When the focus jumps around randomly, skips important elements, or traps the learner, it creates confusion, frustration, and sometimes makes the course impossible to complete. A clear, logical Focus Order ensures that learners who navigate by keyboard, or rely on screen readers, can move through the experience smoothly and consistently.

Alternative Text (“alt text”) provides meaningful descriptions for images, icons, buttons, and interactive elements so that learners using screen readers can fully understand the content and context. Without alt text, those elements are essentially invisible, making the experience incomplete or inaccessible.

Together, Focus Order and alt text ensure that your course is not only technically accessible, but also usable, intuitive, and equitable for all learners. And isn't that a goal we should all be trying to reach?