Forms and accessibility: how can we design them?
Filling out a form is rarely a fun task for users. However, it is often a necessary step in many processes, such as making an online purchase, creating a social media account, or subscribing to a streaming service. It’s a process that has become familiar to most users.
Behind these seemingly routine tasks, designers take many considerations into account to ensure forms are not only easy to complete but also accessible to all types of users.
If a user with accessibility needs cannot complete a payment form because it’s inaccessible, it won’t just cause frustration — it can also negatively impact the business by losing a sales opportunity or interaction.
Key principles for accessible forms
Form structure and length
One of the first considerations is to avoid long, overwhelming forms. Breaking them into smaller, manageable steps reduces cognitive load and improves the experience for users, especially those with cognitive disabilities.
Including visual indicators that show users their progress helps provide a sense of advancement and motivation to complete the process.
Labels and help text
Ensuring that each form field is clearly labeled is essential for usability. Labels placed above input fields are easier to read and more accessible for users who rely on assistive technologies.
Using properly structured HTML labels ensures that screen readers can correctly identify the purpose of each field, minimizing confusion.
While placeholder text inside input fields may seem helpful, it often causes problems. Once data is entered, the placeholder disappears, leaving users to rely on memory — a challenge for those with memory or attention difficulties. Instead, help text placed near fields works better, as it’s compatible with assistive technologies and improves the overall user experience.
Native controls and compatibility
Using native HTML form controls is highly recommended because they are inherently accessible and compatible with browsers and assistive tools.
If custom controls are necessary, it’s important to test them thoroughly to ensure accessibility is maintained for both keyboard users and screen reader users.
Highlight active fields and handle errors effectively
Highlighting active fields with high-contrast colors or visible borders makes it easier for users navigating with keyboards to keep track of their position within the form.
When errors occur, clear error handling is critical for a positive experience. This includes visual indicators like border color changes and error messages that clearly explain the problem and how to fix it. Messages should be written in simple language to avoid confusion caused by technical jargon.
Field grouping and semantic markup
For forms with related fields, such as addresses or grouped options, using group labels improves accessibility. HTML elements like <fieldset> and <legend> allow screen readers to identify relationships between fields, ensuring logical and obstacle-free navigation.
Clear instructions and ARIA attributes
Providing clear instructions at the beginning of the form and within individual fields, when necessary, is crucial. Attributes like ARIA (Accessible Rich Internet Applications) can further enhance usability.
For example, indicating specific requirements — such as date formats or numerical values — helps users avoid surprises. Associating instructions directly with fields using attributes like aria-describedby ensures assistive technology users can access this information easily.
Marking required fields visibly is also essential. This can be done with explicit text or symbols, like asterisks, ensuring they are clear to all users. Technically, attributes like aria-required=”true” ensure assistive technologies correctly interpret mandatory fields.
Avoid time limits
Time limits should be avoided when completing forms. Users with visual, cognitive, or language disabilities often need more time to process and complete tasks.
If time constraints are unavoidable, options to extend the time and advance warnings should be provided to prevent unexpected interruptions.
Final thoughts
Form accessibility improves the experience for users with specific needs while also enhancing the overall quality of a digital product. Every detail, from clear labeling to removing time restrictions, contributes to creating a more inclusive and functional digital environment.
Designing with accessibility in mind is not just a responsibility — it’s an opportunity to create more meaningful and effective interactions for everyone.
This is a translation of the following article from our corporate website:
