They actually need to be easy to click
When designing a user interface, it's easy to focus on aesthetics, text size, or overall layout – but one of the most critical factors for accessible user experience is simply:
the clickable size of buttons and links.
Why this matters?
Not all users have perfect motor control:
- People with mild Parkinson's struggle to control precise mouse movements.
- Older adults may click slightly off-target.
- Children tap with their fingers instead of a precise cursor.
- On smartphones – <\/span>the finger is the new mouse.
Imagine someone trying to click a tiny link – and missing it again and again because it's so small.
A simple action like clicking "Submit Form" can become a frustrating, exhausting task.
But when we expand the clickable area, <\/span>we don't just fix the problem – we prevent it from happening in the first place.
What you should do in practice?
- Recommended minimum clickable area: <\/span>at least <\/span>44x44 <\/span>pixels (<\/span>per WCAG 2.1 guidelines).<\/span>
- Make sure the spacing around the element doesn't interfere with clicking.<\/span>
- Use smart <\/span>padding <\/span>– not just <\/span>font-size.<\/span>
- Maintain strong contrast and high visibility for buttons and links.<\/span>
- Enable comfortable clicking on touch devices too.<\/span>
Practical example:<\/span>
If you have a small icon <\/span>(<\/span>like an "X" to close a window<\/span>), <\/span>don't expect users to click exactly on it<\/span> –<\/span> <\/span>add a generous clickable area around it<\/span>, <\/span>even if invisible, to ensure clicking success.<\/span>