The 2025 Guide to Form UX Design: Best Practices and Examples Included
FAQ’s
Is single-column always best?
Yes, for most cases. Single-column forms align with natural vertical scanning patterns, reduce cognitive load, and improve completion rates—except for short, related fields like “City” and “State.”
Inline vs. on-submit validation- Which one is better?
Inline validation is better. It gives real-time feedback after field completion, helping users fix errors instantly without overwhelming them, unlike on-submit validation, which delays error discovery.
How to mark required vs. optional fields?
Clearly mark required fields with an asterisk (*) and label optional fields explicitly as “optional” to avoid confusion and improve accessibility and user clarity throughout the form.
Best way to handle OTP forms?
Use segmented fields with auto-advance, support pasting full codes, implement WebOTP API for mobile auto-fill, and offer a clear, retry-friendly resend code option for smoother experiences.
Are placeholders okay as labels?
No, they disappear during input and create accessibility issues. Always use persistent labels. That’s one of the most important form UX design best practices.
