11 comments

  • Matthew BlodeMatthew Blode, over 6 years ago

    I think Designer News should definitely consider this and improve the tiny touch areas on these darn impossible to tap (on mobile) upvote comment buttons. DN gods if you're out there! Just increase the padding, not the margins.

    7 points
  • Scott HurffScott Hurff, over 6 years ago

    Thanks Jonathan! I wrote the article, here for any questions or comments.

    6 points
    • Jonathan ShariatJonathan Shariat, over 6 years ago

      Great article thank you for putting that together.

      Question: What do you know about touch targets that are too small but have targets (invisible) that are bigger. Does it work just as well? Are there issues?

      0 points
      • Scott HurffScott Hurff, over 6 years ago

        Of course! And good question.

        A tappable element incorporates three things: the visual target, its touch area, and the padding around it. As long as the touch area is what I consider to be the optimal size — at least 10mm or 64 pts — then the visual target size being a bit on the small side is less of an issue.

        You will face a perception problem, though. If your customer thinks, because of the visual size, that the tap area is small. That could negatively affect their behavior and slow them down.

        1 point
        • Marc EdwardsMarc Edwards, over 6 years ago

          Yeah, I definitely agree with all of that, including the last paragraph. That’s quite critical, imo. People will alter their behaviour if they think the tap zone is tiny. This can be mitigated with a border, or some other representation of a larger tap zone.

          Great article. :)

          2 points
  • Nick MNick M, over 6 years ago

    Great article. I really wish more people would make use of these HCI standards instead of ignoring them. Apple still struggles with this, in spite of the improvements made to the lock screen music player - I use the "Bedtime" feature in the Clock app, and the touch target to turn the alarm off in the morning is nearly impossible to hit, even when fully awake and holding the phone normally.

    Spotify is another culprit who uses touch targets that don't adhere to Fitts.

    3 points
  • Drew McDonaldDrew McDonald, over 6 years ago

    So Microsoft wins the design game? Interesting. Is the world ready for live tiles in their mobile device? ~

    1 point