Accessibility: Form and Survey Solutions
Creating Accessible Forms and Surveys
Accessible forms and surveys help everyone successfully read, understand and complete the information you’re asking for. By using clear instructions, built-in styles, alt text for images and accessible themes, you make your forms easier to navigate and more accessible for all users.
Why it matters
An accessible form isn’t just about compliance — it’s about good design. When forms are clear and consistent, everyone can focus on the content instead of figuring out how to fill it out.
Who benefits
Everyone. Clear labels, logical flow and well-marked required fields make forms easier for all users, including those using assistive technologies.
Best Practices
Layout and organization
- Keep the layout simple and easy to follow.
- Group related questions together to help users stay oriented.
- Use built-in heading styles for structure and navigation.
- Limit complex question types like rankings or Likert scales when possible.
Content and instructions
- Write clear, descriptive labels for every field.
- Identify required fields with text (not color alone).
- Provide short, direct instructions to guide users through the form.
- Avoid using placeholder text for key information. It may not be read by all assistive tools.
- Inaccessible question types include any question that requires the user to use drag and drop, has a slider, or requires interaction with graphics.
Design and visuals
- Use strong color contrast between text and background.
- Don’t rely on color alone to convey meaning.
- Choose accessible themes and built-in styles to maintain structure.
User experience and testing
- Offer clear, helpful error messages so users can fix mistakes easily.
- Make sure the form can be completed using only a keyboard.
- Test with assistive technologies and a variety of users to catch potential barriers.
Training: