Hints & Best Practices - v10

General Formatting

• 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 Fields

• Required fields will be indicated to the customer by a red asterisk to the right of the field name.

• It is common for customers to miss these small asterisks and be unable to Submit the form.

Recommendations

• 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 Fields

• 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

• 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 Information

• Use sections to group "like" information such as contact information.

• This organizes the information for the customer and for you.

Special formatting

• Custom formatting can be created for fields such as SU ID numbers.

Recommendations

• 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.