Let's talk about the requirements for sizing content.

Text sizing

While WCAG doesn't explicitly define a minimum size of text, it’s important that text is readable for most users. To support individuals with visual impairments, WCAG provides criteria for enlarging content and accessing information via screen readers. We explore enlarging requirements in Spotlight 33: Adaptivity.

Additionally, in terms of accessibility and contrast, according to WCAG 1.4.3 Contrast  (Minimum) (AA), any text smaller than 18 points (24 pixels) - or in the case of bolded text, smaller than 14 points (18.56 pixels) - is considered standard text and therefore higher contrast ratios apply. You can learn more about it in Spotlight 15: Contrast. Here's a visual recap: 

Interactivity 

WCAG also covers size requirements for interactive elements, such as buttons or icons.  WCAG 2.5.8 Target Size (Minimum) (AA) requires a target size of at least 24 by 24 CSS pixels for pointer inputs. The advanced version of this criterion, 2.5.5 Target Size - AAA (Enhanced), calls for a larger target size, setting the minimum at 44 by 44 CSS pixels (approximately 9 mm).

There are exceptions to these criteria. For instance, if the target size is unmodifiable by the author, if the content is in line with the text, or if the size is essential for conveying meaning, exemptions apply. Also, objects that are sufficiently spaced from one another may still meet the criterion as the spacing eliminates accidental activation.

Line spacing

Finally, WCAG 1.4.8 Visual Presentation (Level AAA) combines a few recommendations. One of them states that line spacing is at least space-and-a-half within paragraphs, and paragraph spacing is at least 1.5 times larger than the line spacing.

Resources:

• Follow this link to read the full WCAG criterion of 2.5.8: WCAG 2.5.8 Target Size (Minimum) (AA)

• Follow this link to read the full WCAG criterion of 2.5.5: 2.5.5 Target Size - AAA (Enhanced)

Discussion questions:

Get Involved: Come to the LCA Spotlight LinkedIn group and join the conversation.

• How do you ensure and test that you comply with size requirements?

• What are some potential challenges if the object size is smaller than the required dimensions?

• How does your authoring tool support these sizing requirements?

When you post in the community, use the hashtag #LCASpotlightSizing