Module 4: Checkpoint 13—Label placement
| Conformance: Mandatory |
Requirements
Place form control labels and required field indicators consistently.
Benefits of conformance
- Reduced cognitive load.
Risks of non-conformance
- Loss of trust (appears amateurish).
Implementation advice
More information
Usability testing on the preferred layout of forms clearly demonstrates users have no real preference between left aligned and right aligned labels.
However if an application begins using left aligned labels it must use left aligned labels throughout the application for consistency.
Correct implementation: A right-aligned layout has been used consistently across both application screens.
Incorrect implementation: A left-aligned layout has been used on the first screen and a right-aligned layout has been used on the second screen. A consistent layout should have been chosen for all screens.