Required fields left unmarked
- Forbidden
- "All fields are required unless marked optional" at the top, with only optional fields marked
- Instead
- Mark both. Required takes
*(with the convention stated at the top) or the word "required"; optional takes the word "optional".
What this rule looks like
Why this rule
Instructions at the top of a form get scanned past, leaving people guessing field by field. Marking both is also an accessibility requirement for screen reader users, so sighted users may as well get the same clarity. Never colour the asterisk red — red means error. Unmarked required fields are acceptable only where: the product has no optional fields at all; the form is short and familiar (login, newsletter); one question is asked per screen with its reason given; or testing has shown the markers unnecessary.
- Kind
- Rule
- Section
- Things to avoid
- Group
- Forms
- Bucket
- judgment
- Severity
- note
- Since
- v0.1.0