Identify Input Purpose ensures that form fields are labeled clearly in the code, allowing assistive technologies to understand what each field is for—so everyone can fill out forms more easily, whether they’re using a screen reader or relying on autofill.
Who this impacts
- People using screen readers: Clearly identified input fields help screen readers announce the purpose of each field correctly.
- People with cognitive impairments: Predictable and clearly labeled fields reduce confusion when filling out forms.
- People with motor impairments: Autofilling reduces the number of manual inputs needed, saving time and effort.
- People using autofill or password managers: Marking fields correctly ensures these tools can automatically fill in the right information.
- Everyone: Better form usability benefits all users by saving time and reducing errors.
How to meet Identify Input Purpose
- Use HTML autocomplete attributes: Implement attributes like autocomplete=”given-name” or autocomplete=”email” to identify the purpose of input fields.
- Label fields clearly: Combine the autocomplete attribute with descriptive labels to ensure each input’s purpose is clear.
- Test with assistive technologies: Make sure screen readers can accurately interpret and announce the input fields.
Top Tips
- Use standard field names: Follow the common autocomplete values, like name, email, or street-address.
- Placeholders suck: Always include a visible label for each field.
- Stay updated on autocomplete values: Follow the latest standards to ensure compatibility.
- Test with a screen reader and autofill tools: Ensure that both types of assistive technologies can correctly identify and fill in the fields.
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