In the world of web accessibility, it’s the little things that make a big difference. And when it comes to touch targets, one of the most important little things is to make sure that they have a sufficient size and spacing. A touch target is the area of the screen that a user can touch to interact with an element. It’s often used for things like buttons, links, and other types of interactive controls. This guide will explore the importance of sufficient touch target size and spacing and how to fix it.
Think of your website as a piano. You want to make sure that the keys are big enough for people to play without hitting the wrong notes. The same is true for your website. By making sure that your touch targets have a sufficient size and spacing, you can create a more accessible and user-friendly experience for everyone. For a deeper dive into the world of accessibility, see our article on accessibility.
Your Guide to a More Accessible and User-Friendly Website
Fixing touch targets that do not have a sufficient size and spacing is a simple but important task. Here’s how to do it:
- Identify Your Touch Targets That Do Not Have a Sufficient Size and Spacing: Use an accessibility testing tool like Creeper to crawl your site and identify any touch targets that do not have a sufficient size and spacing.
- Make Your Touch Targets at Least 44×44 Pixels: The best way to fix this issue is to simply make your touch targets at least 44×44 pixels.
- Make Sure That There Is Enough Space Between Your Touch Targets: You should also make sure that there is enough space between your touch targets so that users don’t accidentally tap on the wrong one.
The SEO Power of an Accessible Website
An accessible website is a more successful website. By making your website more accessible, you can improve your user experience, reach a wider audience, and even improve your SEO. For more on the importance of a well-structured website, check out this guide to touch targets from The A11Y Project.
Don’t let your website be a frustrating experience for your users. By taking the time to make sure that your touch targets have a sufficient size and spacing, you can build a more accessible and successful online presence. For more on how to create a winning on-page strategy, see our article on on-page SEO.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a touch target?
A touch target is the area of the screen that a user can touch to interact with an element. It’s often used for things like buttons, links, and other types of interactive controls.
Why is it important for my touch targets to have a sufficient size and spacing?
It’s important for your touch targets to have a sufficient size and spacing so that users can easily and accurately tap on them. This is especially important for users with motor impairments, who may have difficulty with fine motor control.
How do I make sure that my touch targets have a sufficient size and spacing?
You can make sure that your touch targets have a sufficient size and spacing by making them at least 44×44 pixels. You should also make sure that there is enough space between your touch targets so that users don’t accidentally tap on the wrong one.
Ready to make your website more accessible? Start your Creeper audit today and see how you can improve your touch target size and spacing.