Forms

Here are my suggestions for where to get started on better forms.

Good forms need lots of design

A good from works well across three layers:

1. Interaction design:  the boxes to type into, the buttons, and the other interactions that make up the page (Appearance)
2. Content design: the questions, instructions, error messages and other words (Conversation)
3. Service design: the purpose of the form and the task that it enables (Relationship)

I started to brood about the three layers when working on tax forms in the 1990s. I realised a tax form is frightening before we even get it out of its envelope – or, in today’s terms, click on the link to access it: Designing usable forms: the three-layer model of the form (2000)

My website has resources to help you improve the content of forms

• Advice on writing good questions: How to write good questions for forms
• Key issues to think about when you’re designing a form: Designing forms that work 
• How to handle complicated forms: Design tips for complex forms – this presentation to the UXPA conference in Washington 2013 offers advice on how to handle forms that have many fields, use complex terminology, or involve challenging tasks.
• Reviewing existing forms to improve them: Forms workshop – some suggestions on delivering a better experience for users and better information for you.

You can find advice on solving problems in interaction design

Most frequently asked questions in forms design

• Where should I put labels on forms? Don’t put labels inside text boxes
• Where should I place buttons? Buttons on forms and surveys: a look at some research
• What’s your advice on using dropdowns, progress indicators and accordions? Design patterns in government 2016 – this presentation is an update on our work within the Government Digital Service to deliver better online services. It includes a number of examples of research-based recommendations we now make to those designing government websites.
• Have you got an example of a good form? Take a look at  My new favourite form, really 

These are my most recent posts on better forms

• Creating truly accessible forms – workshop for Ladies that UX Seattle
• Who cares about forms? You should, and here’s why – Chicago Camps Tent Talk
• Failing to fix your forms is costing you money
• Prune and tune your forms – a webinar for Lunch and Learn

If you’d prefer to see everything I’ve ever written about forms, have a look at my publications list.