Form Design

This skill covers form UX patterns — field types, label placement, multi-step wizards, layout grouping, and data collection best practices.

Use-When

This skill activates when:

• Agent builds forms (login, signup, settings)
• Agent creates multi-step flows or wizards
• Agent designs data collection interfaces
• Agent improves existing form conversion
• Agent groups related fields

Core Rules

• ALWAYS use visible labels (never placeholder-only)
• ALWAYS group related fields into sections
• ALWAYS indicate required fields visually and programmatically
• ALWAYS inline validate after blur, not on every keystroke
• PREFER single-column layouts for mobile friendliness

Common Agent Mistakes

• Using placeholder as label (disappears on focus)
• Putting too many fields on one screen
• Not grouping related fields
• Showing all validation errors at once (overwhelming)
• Not indicating required fields clearly

Examples

✅ Correct

// Visible labels with proper grouping
<form>
  <fieldset>
    <legend>Personal Information</legend>
    <div className="space-y-4">
      <div>
        <label htmlFor="name">Full Name</label>
        <input id="name" />
      </div>
      <div>
        <label htmlFor="email">Email</label>
        <input id="email" type="email" />
      </div>
    </div>
  </fieldset>
</form>

❌ Wrong

// Placeholder as label
<input placeholder="Enter your name" />

// No grouping, too many fields
<form>
  <input placeholder="Name" />
  <input placeholder="Email" />
  <input placeholder="Phone" />
  <input placeholder="Address" />
  <input placeholder="City" />
  <input placeholder="State" />
  <input placeholder="Zip" />
  {/* ... more fields */}
</form>

References

• Nielsen Norman Group - Form Design
• Google Material Design - Text Fields
• WebAIM - Forms