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Target Size

Also known as: Touch Target Size, Click Target Size, Hit Area

The physical dimensions of an interactive element on screen — such as a link, button, or checkbox — that a user must point to and activate. Adequate target size is critical for users with motor impairments, tremor, or limited dexterity, as small targets require greater precision and increase the time and error rate of selection. WCAG 2.2 introduced Success Criterion 2.5.8 (Target Size Minimum) requiring interactive targets to be at least 24x24 CSS pixels, with an enhanced criterion of 44x44 pixels. Research shows that joystick and trackball users particularly struggle with small targets due to overshooting, while enlarging click areas around hyperlinks significantly improves usability for users with physical disabilities.

Category: motor accessibility · web accessibility · user interface design · Interaction Design

Related: Motor Accessibility · Keyboard Accessibility

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