Labels
Labels should be clear and brief, ideally under three words. They should describe the value of a field and not what the user needs to do in order to fill it out properly. If you're having trouble keeping label text short, consider using hint text instead.
Placeholders
In general, avoid using placeholder text. Putting instructions or important information in placeholder text isn't accessible. As soon as someone starts typing, that text vanishes, and people using auto-fill tools can't see it at all.
Required and optional fields
Mark the minority of fields in a form as required or optional. This helps users to easily and switfly scan the form and understand what is required of them. Type out the word optional or required in the label. E.g. "Per purchase limit (optional)". Don't use asterisks or other symbols.
Hint text
Use hint text to give users clear guidance for data entry. Keep it brief and avoid repeating the label or other form details. If it feels redundant, try removing it. We keep help text above the input field to have reading order match the visual order, which is needed for screen readers.
To explain complex concepts or aid first-time users, prefer help popovers.
Error messages
Convey clear, helpful error messages that guide users to a solution, not just stating the problem. For example, if a required email field is missed, simply prompt with "Enter your email address." to direct them appropriately. Avoid vague or shaming language.
See our emerging content guidelines for more guidance.
Help popovers
Use help popovers to aid first-time users or to clarify complex concepts. The help popover can contain interactive content and may be used to provide links for further information.
For information on how to properly fill a field, prefer hint text.
Submit buttons
Users should always be able to press the submit button in a form, even if it’s not filled yet or filled incorrectly. Disabled buttons can cause usability and accessibility issues and hence shouldn’t be used to communicate errors.
Validation
For shorter forms, empty fields and server-side validation, validation should be done on form submission. This helps to prevent users from feeling distracted or annoyed by validation.
For longer forms or more strict input fields, live validation should be used. In such cases, the optimal choice is often late validation, a sub type of live validation where validation occurs when the user "leaves" the field (on blur).
Learn more
Good form design involves many considerations that we don't yet cover in Telescope. We've curated a list of resources to help you design effective and pleasant forms.