Point of Regard and Proximity of Controls

From 3.6.2 Proximity of Related Information.

"...point of regard is the area that the user is viewing. In user interface generally, proximity is about using space to group related content and separate unrelated content."

Examples of Point of Regard and Proximity

The following is an example of distant proximity between form controls and labels. Space is not used to group related content. A large space exists between the labels 'Email', 'Phone', 'Voice', 'TTY' and their form controls.
Diagram: Web contact form showing distant proximity
When related form controls and labels are not in close proximity, they are likely to be outside of a person's point of regard. The following diagram shows point of regard as a small circle. Within the point of regard the labels 'Email' and 'Phone' are visible. But not their form controls. In addition 2 radio buttons are visible but without labels.
Diagram: Labels and controls are outside the point of regard.
The following is an example of closer proximity between form controls and labels. Space is reduced and used to group related content. The contact form shows close proximity of the labels 'Email', 'Phone', 'Voice', 'TTY' and their form controls.
Contact form showing close proximity of the labels and thier form contols.
When related form controls and labels are in close proximity, they are more likely to be inside of a person's point of regard. The following diagram shows the point of regard is a small circle. The labels: Email, Phone, Voice, and TTY are next to their form controls inside of the point of regard.
Diagram: Labels and controls are inside the point of regard.

Straw Test

One of the most important functional needs for screen magnifier users is to have well-placed calls to action and flexibility in interfaces. A good test that can help unearth layout and design challenges for people with low-vision is the straw test.

Take either your left hand or your right hand and hold it up like you're holding on to a straw. And I mean like, not a milkshake straw but one of those little coffee stir sticks. Hold it up like you're making a fist and look through. Make the straw as tiny as you can. Close your other eye.

Now looking through the straw examine your web pages and interfaces. Go through task flows while looking through the straw with your other eye closed. For instance go through the motions of filling out a form while you're looking through the straw. It can particular challenging and is very easy to loose context.