Make empty form fields easy to locate

What to change

Ask the supplier to ensure the visual information needed to recognise each input is distinguishable from its surrounding background.

A worked example

Illustrative example

An empty message box has a recognisable boundary before the visitor clicks it, making the intended entry area clear beneath its label.

How to check the result

Accept when visitors can locate and distinguish every active input in all ordinary states on the backgrounds where it is used.

A mistake to avoid

Not every control needs an outlined border, but removing the border requires another effective way to recognise the component.

Your action checklist

Use these checks to prepare a discussion with your team or supplier. Tick a check when you have recorded the decision or evidence, rather than when a feature has simply been promised.

Decisions to recordInspect empty fields, multiline boxes and custom selectors on their real page backgrounds. Include sections placed on tinted cards or dark panels.Request measured contrast checks for the relevant control boundaries or other identifying features, using the actual design values rather than a screenshot estimate.Test focused, invalid and filled states. A stronger active state should not be the only moment when the field's location becomes apparent.

Evidence, open questions and decisionsNext action and responsible role

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