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Module 4: Checkpoint 10—Mandatory fields

Conformance: Mandatory

Requirements

Clearly label all mandatory fields with the required field indicator.

Benefits of conformance

  • Reduced cognitive load to determine required fields.

Risks of non-conformance

  • Loss of trust.
  • Increased error rate.
  • User frustration.

Implementation advice

More information

Required/mandatory fields must be marked with the required field indicator, a red asterisk.

If an application is being developed with right aligned labels:

  • the required field indicator must come directly after the label text
  • the end of the label text must be vertically aligned; and
  • the required field indicators must be vertically aligned (see Checkpoint 11 - Field indicators ).

Correct implementation: Indicator shown (after the label text works best with right-aligned labels).

Correct implementation: Indicator shown (after the label text works best with right-aligned labels).

If an application is being developed with left aligned labels:

  • the required field indicators must come before the label text
  • the beginning of the label text must be vertically aligned; and
  • the required field indicators must be vertically aligned (see Checkpoint 11 - Field indicators ).

Correct implementation: Indicator shown (before the label text works best with left-aligned labels).

Correct implementation: Indicator shown (before the label text works best with left-aligned labels).