The idea
The time needed to point at a target depends on its distance and size along the direction of movement. Small, distant targets demand more precise movement than large, nearby ones.
Why it matters
Tiny controls impose motor effort even when the right action is obvious. Generous targets and sensible placement make repeated tasks less tiring.
A real-world example
A file list lets people select a file by clicking its whole labeled row, rather than a tiny checkbox. Separate action buttons have enough spacing to avoid accidental deletion.
What this doesn’t mean
Bigger is not always better: oversized controls can crowd out useful content. Pointer models do not fully describe touch, tremor, keyboard use or screen-reader navigation.
Try this.
Enlarge the actual hit area, separate competing actions, and test the interface with keyboard and touch as well as a mouse.
Sources & further reading
Our explanations and examples are original. These references provide the underlying research or design perspective.