Directory | Virginia Institute of Marine Science

William J. Hargis Jr. Library | Virginia Institute of Marine Science

At a Glance | Virginia Institute of Marine Science

Educational Opportunities for High-School Students | Virginia Institute of Marine Science

Centers, Programs & Labs | Virginia Institute of Marine Science

Working Here | Virginia Institute of Marine Science

Research Sections | Virginia Institute of Marine Science

Giving to the Batten School & VIMS | Virginia Institute of Marine Science

Bay Info | Virginia Institute of Marine Science

About the Batten School & VIMS | Virginia Institute of Marine Science

All interactive components on a page, such as buttons or menus, should be far enough apart 
from other interactive areas, to avoid them being used by mistake. 

This ensures people with motor impairments can easily click or tap on the right element.

## How to fix

* Ensure all interactive elements are at least 24 CSS pixels wide and tall
* OR ensure there is at least 24 CSS pixels (minus the width and height of the element)
  between each interactive element

## Methodology

This check is run on both the mobile and desktop versions of every page. Results
for each may differ.

1. All interactive elements are identified, including buttons, links, and form controls.
2. If an element is not normally visible, it is ignored. This includes elements which
   are positioned offscreen or cropped (e.g. for 'screen-reader only' text).
3. If an element is larger than 24 CSS pixels in both dimensions, it passes.
4. Otherwise, the element is compared to all other elements on the page.
5. The minimum horizontal gap between the element is calculated as 24 CSS pixels,  
   minus the width of the element.
6. The minimum vertical gap between the element is calculated as 24 CSS pixels,  
   minus the height of the element.
7. If another element falls within the minimum horizontal or vertical gap, the 
   element fails, unless both are links that point to the same place.

## Further reading

* [Target Size (Minimum)](https://www.w3.org/WAI/WCAG22/Understanding/target-size-minimum.html)
* [Technique C42 - Using min-height and min-width to ensure sufficient target spacing](https://www.w3.org/WAI/WCAG22/Techniques/css/C42)

ensure-minimum-target-size

January 2026

December 2025

Virginia Institute of Marine Science

	Title / URL	Issues
	Directory \| Virginia Institute of Marine Sciencewww.vims.edu/about/directory/	8
	William J. Hargis Jr. Library \| Virginia Institute of Marine Sciencewww.vims.edu/library/	7
	At a Glance \| Virginia Institute of Marine Sciencewww.vims.edu/about/at_a_glance/	6
	Educational Opportunities for High-School Students \| Virginia Institute of Marine Sciencewww.vims.edu/engage/high_school/	6
	Centers, Programs & Labs \| Virginia Institute of Marine Sciencewww.vims.edu/research/units/	6
	Working Here \| Virginia Institute of Marine Sciencewww.vims.edu/about/working_here/	6
	Research Sections \| Virginia Institute of Marine Sciencewww.vims.edu/research/sections/	6
	Giving to the Batten School & VIMS \| Virginia Institute of Marine Sciencewww.vims.edu/giving/	6
	Bay Info \| Virginia Institute of Marine Sciencewww.vims.edu/bayinfo/	6
	About the Batten School & VIMS \| Virginia Institute of Marine Sciencewww.vims.edu/about/	6

Ensure interactive components are far enough apart

Virginia Institute of Marine Science

Where this issue has occurred