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General Formatting
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Use a minimum 10pt font such as Arial or Times New Roman.
Keep the form concise and only include fields that are needed.
Add a "message" to create larger headings or additional information.
Test forms and form actions thoroughly before publishing.
Use labels (displayed field names) that are complete and self-explanatory.
Using a CAPTCHA may help to reduce spam.
Use high contrast colors for foreground and background areas.
Required
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Fields
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Required fields will be indicated to the customer by a red
asterickasterisk to the right of the field name.
It is common for customers to miss these small
astericksasterisks and be unable to Submit the form.
Recommendations
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At the top of the form, include a message such as "* = required field" in a large font.
Add the phrase "(required)" in the label.
Add a note at the bottom of the form near the Submit button such as "If the Submit button is unavailable, please check that all required fields were completed."
Formatted
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Fields
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Fields such as email addresses and phone numbers can be set for specific formats.
If the format is not followed, the customer will receive an error message.
Recommendations
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Add the format to the label such as "Phone Number (NNN-NNN-NNNN format)" to help the customer get the correct format the first time.
Add a "help message" to clarify.
Grouping
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Information
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Use sections to group "like" information such as contact information.
This organizes the information for the customer and for you.
Special formatting
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Custom formatting can be created for fields such as SU ID numbers.
Recommendations
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Any time custom formatting is used, always put an example of the format in the label.
Test these formats extensively to make sure that they function correctly.
Add a "help message" to clarify.