It is important that forms on our websites be usable and accessible.
Accessibility requirements for online forms
- Form buttons should have a descriptive value.
- Form inputs should have associated text labels.
- At least 12-point text should be utilized throughout, even if it means the form will be multiple pages.
- Ensure adequate contrast and avoid putting information in shaded boxes.
- Do not use color alone to convey meaning.
- Information within the form should be arranged in a simple, logical, and intuitive order.
- The requested parameter should appear on the same line as the blank (not above or below).
- Labels for form label text is not duplicated; provide differentiation between repeated fields.
- Guidance should be provided within the form element’s label if a specific format, value, or length is required.
- Form field validation should be utilized on fields to help reduce errors.
- Focus should be given to fields that have errors when submitted and make sure form fields are not cleared.
Advantages of online forms
The current ease at which forms can be made electronically fillable make them ideal for our academic and business environments. If you are interested in making your PDF or paper forms electronic, please contact your webmaster. Some of the major advantages of electronic forms are:
- Ideal for meeting the accessibility standards of public institutions and ensures that everyone, including those with disabilities, can access the forms.
- Eliminates the need for the time-consuming process of making PDF forms accessible.
- Easily utilized by anyone with web access.
- Web surveys and forms allow for pleasing, consistent layouts with a professional image.
- The ability of respondents to select pre-populated answers eliminates guesswork.
- Respondents can skip past questions that don’t apply, thus decreasing time needed for them to fill out forms.
- Collected data is immediately available, results can be monitored easily, and analysis can be done automatically.
- Since electronic forms are easier to fill out than paper, response rates normally improve.
- Adding questions and editing information can be done quickly and easily.
- Forms are made secure through use of password protection and encryption. Data is stored on secure servers.
- Online forms are good for the environment and help us be good stewards of the resources entrusted to us.