Appropriate Feedback with Forms

Method

Manual checks are almost the only way to see whether instructions or cues are provided appropriately when submitting a form or when errors have occurred.  The form elements are important as are the labels as mentioned in the labelling on forms web page.  Keyboard access is obviously essential at both the entry stage as well as at exit or submission.   When the error or submission message is returned, check that the focus for the keyboard access is immediately sent to the dialog box that appears or a text message is available at the start of a new page.  The content in both methods needs to be understandable and provide clear guidance, not leaving the user confused.

Use WebbIE or another text based browser or the Text-Only view in Webaim Wave online checker to see whether labels are correct and linked to text input forms.  Use a screen reader to check that the controls and feedback make sense.

Advice

• Webaim: Usable and Accessible Form Validation and Error Recovery
• W3C Web Accessibility Tutorials: User Notifications
• W3C Web Accessibility Tutorials: Form Instructions
• Microsoft provides Error Message Guidelines
• Microsoft provides sample error messages with explanations

References

This technique may be used to test the following sections of best practice.