Keep input instructions attached to their field

What to change

Request short field-specific instructions that remain available during entry and are associated with the field for assistive technology users.

A worked example

Illustrative example

A referral reference field displays an example pattern beside its label. Someone returning to correct the reference can still find the pattern without clearing their work.

How to check the result

Accept when a visitor can find the instruction at the point of entry, and an error does not remove the original guidance.

A mistake to avoid

Adding instructions to every simple field creates visual noise; focus detail on genuine constraints or easily misunderstood questions.

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 recordChoose a field with a particular constraint, such as a reference number. Identify exactly what the visitor needs to know before attempting to enter it.Check that its instruction remains visible after typing and at narrow widths. It must not be replaced by placeholder text or hidden behind a tooltip.Ask the supplier to demonstrate the instruction with a screen reader and a voice input tool. Check that the instruction belongs to the intended field.

Evidence, open questions and decisionsNext action and responsible role

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