TL;DR: This article delves into the essence of creating user-friendly online forms. With tips on form affordances, button design, and general form design guidelines, you will learn how to create effective forms that enhance user experience and increase conversion rates.
Introduction: Online forms are more than just data collection tools; they are an essential aspect of interaction on your website. Creating forms that are easy to understand and interact with is crucial for providing a positive user experience and obtaining usable data. In this article, we’ll discuss critical factors in designing effective online forms, starting with an overview of form affordances.
Form Affordances
An affordance is a property of an object that indicates how it can be used. For instance, the shape of a doorknob implies that it’s meant to be turned. Online forms also have affordances, which indicate the methods of interaction they allow. Key affordances to consider include:
- Active buttons: Use color, shading, depth, shape, and contrast to make your buttons stand out.
- Button descriptions: Ensure the text on your buttons is actionable and descriptive.
- Input fields: Consider the type of data going into the fields, differentiate them with shading, and adjust contrast for readability.
Button Design
Button design is an integral part of form design. Here are some key considerations:
- Fit for Purpose: Ensure your buttons align with your brand’s style.
- Contrast: Your buttons should stand out from the rest of the user interface.
- Iconography: Use icons to provide additional information about button functionality.
- Feedback: Design your buttons to provide visual feedback to users.
Designing Great Forms
Here are some best practices for form design:
- Organize Your Form: Group related fields together.
- Show Helper Text: Provide brief, helpful explanations for fields as necessary.
- Use Correct Input Type and Length: Choose the right input field for the situation and the expected data.
- Provide Clear Labels: Make sure each field is clearly labeled, with an indication of required fields.
- Give Feedback: Use error messages and visual cues to guide users as they complete the form.
Mobile Form Design
With the prevalence of mobile devices, your forms must also be designed to work well on smaller screens. Keep fonts legible, fields large enough to tap, and only ask for necessary information to minimize user effort.
Conclusion: Designing user-friendly forms is a critical aspect of enhancing your website’s user experience and increasing conversions. By considering form affordances, crafting effective button designs, following best practices in form design, and optimizing for mobile devices, you can create forms that are not only functional but enjoyable to use.