How to Optimize Forms for Mobile Devices

Young or old and everyone in between now uses mobile devices to create reminders, shopping lists, scheduling meetings, checking mails, posting pictures or looking for closest comedy club.

Mobiles have made life easier and allow people to be more independent. But in order to do these types of tasks on a mobile device, users need forms to create their shopping or address lists and they often must fill in key information to order products or services. It is of utmost importance to create forms which are easily accessible on mobile devices as well as PCs. Here are some basic ways to maintain the speed and performance of a site on mobile device when users must deal with forms.

1. Stick To Important Details

Do not attempt to make forms lengthy unless the length is actually needed. Shoppers don’t want to take the time to fill out a two-page form. They’ll probably close the site out of frustration. Therefore it is essential to be specific and ask only the most important details such as email, name, phone and address and credit card information.

2. Top-aligned Labels and Fields

Due to limited viewing options on smartphones it is necessary to use vertical alignment and not horizontal when designing. Horizontally aligned items may not be able to fit all the data needed on small screen space and shoppers may become irritated. Either the label or the input field will get compromised and placing the pointer may be erratic. Vertically aligned viewing is simpler and allows users to view what they are typing.

3. Collapsible Menus/Dropdown Lists

Smartphones require a lot of scrolling to see the full page and entire form. Using collapsible menus and dropdown lists cuts down on scrolling. Group items in categories and users can find their choices easier.

4. Utilize Appropriate List Selections

Instead of dropdowns or collapsible menus another option to go for is open predictive search fields and locked dropped down lists. Just like Google as soon as a user starts typing, the data in the search field will start showing the closest possible results. Locked dropped down lists provide some specific items in the menu in alphabetical or categorical order.

5. Opt for Single Input Entities

Rather than forcing users to enter each component of their name separately, first, last, middle initial, try grouping the entries in one single “name field. This will speed up data entry and save time for shoppers.

6. Show Where to Hit Send

The “submit” button is usually the last step of any form. If this button is visible to users, they quickly assess that the form doesn’t require much data and are more likely to fill it out. These buttons can be made more appealing by making them about one-third the size of the form and using eye-catching colors. Using a subtle hovering effect sound to let the customer know when they are finished with the task is also a good idea.

7. Avoid Previous Page Hassles

Shoppers might want to go to a previous page often while shopping. Make sure to indicate that not all places on the site will allow heading back to a previous page by using warning signs such as ‘Agree’, ‘OK’ or ‘Cancel’. Designers can mitigate this problem by giving users the option of opening the pages in new a tab. This is very helpful in case they want to compare items.

8. Form Loading Time

Last but not least, forms should open on a mobile device within matter of seconds. A slow form my cause customers to close the page and leave their shopping behind. Once the form is developed, it is very important to test it on various screen sizes and take feedback.