Design Inputs That Feel Natural
Forms & Inputs · authentication
Updated 2026-07-28
- Inputs should guide users, not test them.
- Use labels instead of relying only on placeholders:
- Placeholders disappear.
- Labels provide permanent context.
- Keep input behavior predictable:
- Cursor should not jump unexpectedly.
- Formatting should help, not fight the user.
- Provide examples when format matters:
- Phone numbers.
- Dates.
- Addresses.
- Avoid unnecessary restrictions:
- Allow paste.
- Allow correction.
- Accept reasonable variations.
- Preserve user effort:
- Do not clear fields after errors.
- Do not reset completed sections.
- Good inputs reduce thinking and typing.
Related guides
UX Handbook