Is your feature request related to a problem? Please describe.
The touch logo on the micro:bit simulator currently acts as both a button and a slider for mouse and keyboard users. However, an HTML role does not exist for screen reader users to encompasses both behaviours. Ideally, the touch logo should be role="button" and the compass should be a separate slider control with role="slider" and accompanying attributes.
It also not currently possible for keyboard users to tilt the micro:bit simulator. Mouse users can achieve this by hovering over the board. This limits keyboard users to simulating shake gestures only.
Describe the solution you'd like
A separate keyboard control / element for the compass that implements slider attributes and behaviours with the touch logo implementing only button roles and behaviours. There may be a way to implement this without significantly impacting the current visual design.
A control, that when focused (possibly the board itself?), allows the arrow keys to tilt the simulator. Releasing the arrow keys should cause the micro:bit to return to its default position. The control needs to have enough visual representation that keyboard users will understand what it does, and the simulator aria-live region and an aria-label can be used to provide feedback to screen reader users.
Describe alternatives you've considered
None. The touch logo could potentially work as two separate roles, but this breaks down when it needs to be both.
Additional context
Not expected for 2026 release.
Is your feature request related to a problem? Please describe.
The touch logo on the micro:bit simulator currently acts as both a button and a slider for mouse and keyboard users. However, an HTML role does not exist for screen reader users to encompasses both behaviours. Ideally, the touch logo should be role="button" and the compass should be a separate slider control with role="slider" and accompanying attributes.
It also not currently possible for keyboard users to tilt the micro:bit simulator. Mouse users can achieve this by hovering over the board. This limits keyboard users to simulating shake gestures only.
Describe the solution you'd like
A separate keyboard control / element for the compass that implements slider attributes and behaviours with the touch logo implementing only button roles and behaviours. There may be a way to implement this without significantly impacting the current visual design.
A control, that when focused (possibly the board itself?), allows the arrow keys to tilt the simulator. Releasing the arrow keys should cause the micro:bit to return to its default position. The control needs to have enough visual representation that keyboard users will understand what it does, and the simulator aria-live region and an aria-label can be used to provide feedback to screen reader users.
Describe alternatives you've considered
None. The touch logo could potentially work as two separate roles, but this breaks down when it needs to be both.
Additional context
Not expected for 2026 release.