Forms

Can all users understand and fill out forms?

Why it’s important

Joseph uses a screen magnifier and when validation messages are shown off to the side he can easily miss them.
Marama is starting to show signs of dementia, she has trouble with short term memory loss. She needs context clues and instructions to stay visible on the screen or she loses her place.

Check all inputs have descriptive labels that remain visible. These should remain visible once completed.
Use HTML form elements as much as possible. Test any custom interactions for use with screen readers and keyboard only.
Use a small tube or a narrow window with your fist to view the page. Scan only vertically to identify if any content is hidden from screen reader users.
Keep the number of responses on a single page to a minimum. Provide context clues throughout for people who may lose their place.
Check placeholders are not used in the form fields as the text disappears once the form field is in focus. Users may not remember what information belongs in that field, or be able to fix mistakes. Any hints and/or labels placed outside the form field should always be visible to the user.

Last modified: 23 April 2021