What is Click Area?
Imagine you filled a form on a website, what will you do next? You will look for ways to submit it, right? But how can you do that? Once you reach the end of the form, and find a button that says “SUBMIT”, you will tap on that to submit your form. That submit button is what you call a Click Area.
The clickable and tappable parts on a website, mobile application, and software platforms are called click areas. They are there to help a user navigate easily, to explore, and to interact with the content. They can be in the form of a button, an icon, a hyperlinks, or other interactive elements.
Key Elements of a Click Area
- Interactive Element
The clickable or tappable objects like buttons, links, or icons let users navigate through and interact with the content by engaging with them. - Dimensions and Size
The physical size of a click area shouldn't be too small for the users to interact with. It should be large enough for the users to easily access and use it. Their size and dimensions should work effectively on small screen devices as well - HitboxThink of it like an invisible area around a button. It helps your customers’ click still work even if they did not click on the exact button. It helps prevent click mistakes, and makes sure that usability improves.
- Feedback Mechanism
The use of visual or auditory cues, such as hover effects, animations, or sounds, can confirm a user that their interaction with the click area was successful. - Action or Trigger
They must lead to something to serve their purpose. For example, if a user clicks on the click area to submit a form, then their action should be registered by having their form submitted.
Types of Click Areas
- Buttons
These are the clickable elements which are labeled with text or icons. They guide the users towards a specific action.- For example: The "Buy Now" button under a product.
- Links
These are the clickable texts or images that help users navigate to other sections or pages.- For example: In an article, a Hyperlinked text will guide the users where to click next.
- Icons
These are the graphical symbols that represent actions like "save," "search," or "settings."- For example: Through a magnifying glass icon, users can search what they are looking for on a web page or app.
- Custom Click Areas
These are irregularly shaped or invisible zones which are created for specific interactions.- For example: An entire section of images which are made clickable.
Best Practices for Designing Click Areas
- Ensure Accessibility
- Make sure their size is sufficiently maintained to accommodate touch and mouse input. A minimum 48px by 48px size is considered ideal.
- Make sure they are clearly visible. It can be done by using prominent labels or tooltips.
- Provide Feedback
- When a user engages with an action, use hover states, pressed states, or animations to show them that their action was registered.
- Optimize Placement
- Place them where users naturally expect them. For example, a “Submit” click area should be presented at the end of a form.
- Avoid Overlapping Click Areas
- Do not use too many click areas in a small space. If they are overlapped, then they create confusion for the users. Moreover, users might accidentally click on the ones they do not intend to.
- Test Responsiveness
- Make sure they are designed in such a way that they should function seamlessly and effectively across various devices and screen sizes.
Applications of Click Areas
- Web Design: They enhance the navigating experience of a user on a website through showing them clickable menus and buttons.
- E-commerce: They help in discovering or purchasing a product. Such as, a clickable button saying, “Find more.” or, “Add to cart “.
- Gaming: They define the interactive zones for the gameplay mechanics.
- Mobile Apps: On smaller mobile screens, they make sure the interfaces are touch-friendly.
Common Issues with Click Areas
- Too Small for Interaction
- If they are too small in size then it can be hard to click on them, especially on a small mobile screen.
- Poor Feedback
- They can leave users confused wondering whether their action was registered or not.
- Overcrowding
- If there are too many click areas crowded in a small space, then it can make users accidentally click on the one which they do not intend to.
- Invisible Click Areas
- If the click areas are not properly visible, then they can leave the users confused.
Related Terms
- Hotspot
It is a specific interactive point within a click area, which is used in visual or heatmap analysis. - CTA (Call to Action)
A CTA is a prominent clickable element which is designed to encourage users to take an action. For example, "Buy Now." Or, “Sign up.” - Usability Testing
The clickable areas on a website, such as, different links and buttons, should be easy for the customers to find and use. This can help the customers to have a satisfying experience.
