Target Size
Serious - WCAG Level AA
The target size accessibility issue arises when interactive elements, such as buttons and links, are too small or too closely spaced, making them difficult to activate, especially on touch devices. According to WCAG 2.5.3, touch targets should have a minimum size of 44x44 pixels and should be spaced adequately to prevent accidental activation of adjacent targets.
This issue is critical for users with motor impairments, who may struggle to accurately tap small buttons or links. Insufficient target sizes can lead to frustration and hindered navigation, ultimately excluding these users from effectively interacting with your web content.
How to Fix It:
Identify Interactive Elements: Review your HTML to locate all interactive elements such as buttons, links, and form controls.
Check Size: Ensure that each touch target meets the minimum size requirement of 44x44 pixels. This can be achieved through CSS.
Increase Spacing: Ensure that there is sufficient spacing (at least 8 pixels) between touch targets to prevent accidental clicks.
Use CSS for Sizing: If necessary, adjust the padding and margins of your elements to meet the size and spacing requirements.
Best Practices:
Use a consistent size for all buttons across your application to create a predictable interface.
Consider using larger touch targets for critical actions (like 'Submit' or 'Delete') to enhance usability.
Test touch targets on actual devices to ensure they are easily tappable.
Common Mistakes:
Relying solely on the visual size of elements without considering their actual touchable area.
Not accounting for the space around touch targets, leading to overlap and confusion.
Ignoring the accessibility of touch targets in responsive designs, where sizes may change based on screen size.