Top 10 Form Usability Tips

1. Place form labels above text fields

2. Cluster similar types of controls

When text fields are mixed with radio buttons and checkboxes, the user has to switch between keyboard and mouse. Grouping these can save a lot of user effort. Also, keep the Submit button near the last control.


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3. Use standard values to enable autofill

4. Use <select> sparingly

5. Submit buttons don't have to be "Submit" buttons

6. Use smart scripts

7. Select logical defaults, or none at all

8. For multi-page forms, give the user a progress map

9. Postbacks. Please.

10. Use design to help the user