Collecting information.
WHAT A FORM REQUIRES
Fields Labels associated with each A submission method A destination
WHY LABELS MUST BE ASSOCIATED
So assistive technology announces them, and so tapping the label focuses the field.
WHAT NOT TO USE AS A LABEL
Placeholder text.
WHY
It disappears on typing, is frequently too low contrast, and is handled inconsistently by assistive technology.
WHAT INPUT TYPES PROVIDE
Appropriate keyboards on mobile Built-in validation Appropriate controls
WHAT TO USE
The specific type: email, telephone, number, date, and others.
WHY
It removes work and errors for the user.
WHAT GROUPING PROVIDES
Related fields announced together, with a description of the group.
WHAT TO USE FOR A SET OF RELATED CHOICES
A grouping element with a legend.
WHAT TO MARK
Required fields, both visually and in the markup.
WHAT TO PROVIDE ON ERROR
A message associated with the field, announced to assistive technology.
WHAT TO NEVER RELY ON
Browser validation for security. It is convenience only.
