Identify Input Purpose - Success Criterion 1.3.5 (Level AA)

Question

Does your site or application collect information specific to the user about the data that is expected for populating form fields?

Why is this important?

Some form fields require specific types of information such as name, email, and address. Programming associated fields so that browsers and assistive technology devices know what type of information is expected, allows autofill and icon labels to be utilized. These features help all users to complete forms faster, and supports people with learning or cognitive disabilities, dyslexia, or memory issues by reducing input errors and customizing forms to fit their needs.

Whom does it benefit?

Example 1

As a person with a fine motor impairment who becomes fatigued when typing,
I want forms to automatically populate my personal information
so that I can decrease the time it takes to type my address.

Example 2

As a person with a cognitive disability who struggles with reading comprehension,
I want my browser to replace text labels in form fields with icons
so that I can complete my online order with minimal reading.

What should you do?

Ensure form field purposes are identified specific to a user and the content can be used by technologies for delivering the expected input responses.

How do you do it?

Form inputs should be labeled with the correct input type attribute (e.g. type=”email”).
Use the autocomplete attribute to enable autofill of required information.