Forms are an essential part of online life, and we all must
fill them out. However, many forms create barriers to filling out information,
including obstacles regarding race, gender, and even relationships. Web editors
with the best intentions could unintentionally create a barrier for a user,
which means the user will get frustrated with your brand and abandon your form.
And you won't get the conversions you want. Therefore, it is essential to
create accessible and inclusive forms that make taking a survey easier for your
community.
Here are some tips for building inclusive forms with
Form Builder
1. Ask only if necessary: Determine the need for
demographic data. Then, if it is deemed necessary, provide inclusive options
that are broadly representative. Traditionally, form options have been
cisnormative, gender binary, and heteronormative, which does not respect the
range of identities that exist. When providing a field for people to indicate
an option that is not provided, avoid using "Other" as it can have a
negative tone. Others can convey separateness and reinforce exclusion. Consider
using the phrases "Not Listed" or "Self-describe". These
terms show humility on the part of the designer/organization as it acknowledges
that additional options are valid, but not listed.
2. State why: When collecting personally
sensitive data, be sure to state the reason why you are asking for their
information and details about how it will be used/shared. At a bare minimum
include, "We require this information so that... This information will
only be shared with..."
3. Provide inclusive options: Provide inclusive
options that are broadly representative. Traditionally, form options have been
cisnormative, gender binary, and heteronormative, which does not respect the
range of identities that exist.
4. Avoid "othering": When providing a
field for people to indicate an option that is not provided, avoid using
"Other" as it can have a negative tone. Others can convey
separateness and reinforce exclusion. Consider using the phrases "Not
Listed" or "Self-describe". These terms show humility on the
part of the designer/organization as it acknowledges that additional options
are valid, but not listed.
5. Ask for pronouns: Providing a field for people
to indicate their pronouns is a simple way to show respect for gender
diversity. It is important to note that not everyone identifies as he/him or
she/her. Therefore, it is essential to provide an "Other" option or a
"Self-describe" option.
6. Support Keyboard Navigation: Ensure all form
fields can be navigated to (and away from) only using a keyboard. From
assistive technologies to broken track pads ” this is a must.
7. Use a Clear Visual Label: Not Placeholder
Text: Placeholder text is meant to be helpful as an example response. It should
not be used as a replacement for a label. The problem with trying to use
placeholder text as a label is that it disappears when the user starts typing.
This can be confusing for users who rely on screen readers.
8. Code a Clear and Logical Layout: Layout
contributes a great deal to the usability of a site. With CSS, changing a
form's visual layout is possible. However, changing the visual layout creates
problems for people who rely on the structural layout of the page. Because of
this, your forms should have a meaningful and logical sequence. If possible,
avoid making your form inputs next to each other. This is because people have
to spend a little more time correlating the labels with their elements,
resulting in slower form completion.
9. Provide Error Messages: Let the person access
the error, and provide instructions on how to fix it. Allow the person to
re-submit the form.
10. Show Progress: If the form is extensive, a progress bar is nice to manage the time expectations for the user and what information is needed at each step.
RapidoReach Form Best Practices for Creating Accessible Forms
RapidoReach Form is a form builder tool that allows users to
create beautiful and interactive forms without any coding knowledge. The
platform offers templates for quizzes, research, feedback, lead generation, and
more. One of the key features of RapidoReach Form is its accessibility checker,
which allows users to check if their forms are accessible to all users,
including those with disabilities. The platform provides guidance on creating
accessible forms and offers an API key that is essential for connecting
RapidoReach Form to other tools and services. Users can also personalize the
web address of their surveys to align with their brand or project.
When creating accessible forms with RapidoReach Form, users
should consider the following tips:
1. Use clear and descriptive labels for form inputs.
2. Provide error messages that are easy to understand and
follow.
3. Ensure keyboard accessibility for all form fields.
4. Use a clear and organized layout with headings and
subheadings.
5. Avoid using non-descriptive links and provide descriptive
link text.
6. Use inclusive language and avoid categories that may
exclude certain groups of people.
By following these tips and using RapidoReach Form's
accessibility checker, users can create forms that are accessible to all users,
including those with disabilities.
Common mistakes to avoid when creating accessible forms
When creating accessible forms, it is important to avoid
common mistakes that can create barriers for users. Here are some common
mistakes to avoid when creating accessible forms:
1. Incorrect or missing labels: Labels are
essential for helping users understand what information is required in each
field. Missing or incorrect labels can create confusion and frustration for
users, especially those who rely on assistive technology.
2. Poorly structured form labels: Form labels
should be structured in a clear and organized way, using headings and
subheadings to break up the form into sections. This helps users navigate the
form more easily.
3. Using non-descriptive links: Links should be
descriptive and provide clear information about where they lead. Avoid using
generic phrases like "click here" or "read more."
4. Insufficient colour contrast: Color contrast
is important for users with visual impairments. Make sure that text and
background colours have sufficient contrast to be easily readable.
5. Using overlays as a catch-all solution: Overlays
can be useful for some accessibility issues, but they are not a catch-all
solution. Overlays cannot accurately detect or diagnose all accessibility
issues, so it is important to use other accessibility techniques as well.
By avoiding these common mistakes and following best
practices for accessible form design, you can create forms that are easy to use
and accessible to everyone.
In conclusion, creating accessible and inclusive forms
is essential to ensure that everyone can access and use your website. By
following these tips, you can create forms that are easy to use and accessible
to everyone.