In the world of forms, there are two types of data input found on text fields. There’s data input that has no format (characters only). Then there’s data input that has a format (characters and symbols). You should not treat both types of data input the same.

Many designers put the responsibility on the user to format their data input. This causes major user experience problems when users fill out formatted data fields.

Format Uncertainty Leads to Abandonment

When users type their input they will notice that it isn’t formatted. This will make them wonder whether they should type the symbols in or not. This uncertainty can make some users uncomfortable and lead them to abandon the form.

Users who choose to type in the format will need to press extra keys to include the symbols. More typing increases their chance of making errors. This can slow them down even more and give them more reason to abandon the form.

Not only that but now there’s uncertainty on which symbols to use for the format. For example, users could use hyphens or periods to separate strings on a phone number. On a date, they could use slashes or hyphens.

The uncertainty of which format to use creates more mental work for the user. It also makes them question whether their data input will be valid or not.

Lack of Formats Make It Hard to Correct Mistakes

There are users who will choose not to add any symbols to their input just to be on the safe side. But the downside to this is that any mistakes they make will be hard to find and correct.

For example, a credit card number displayed without hyphens is hard to check and correct. The user isn’t going to memorize the entire number because it’s too long (up to 19 digits). Instead, they’ll scan a small set of numeric strings on the card to check their input.

They’re going to struggle to find which number they’re on each time they look back at their input. The lack of format makes all the numbers run together causing confusion. The fact that a credit card number can use the same digit more than once only makes it more confusing.

Format Your Fields with Input Masks

The best way to fix this user experience problem is to use input masks on formatted data fields. Input masks will auto insert the correct format in the field as the user types their input. They don’t have to type any symbols.

They no longer have to worry about which format to use or leaving it out. It eliminates format uncertainty which will prevent form abandonment. Seeing their input in the correct format will make checking and correcting mistakes easier.

You should apply input masks to data fields that have a specific format. These are data that contain symbols, such as time, dates, phone numbers, postal codes, social security, serial numbers and credit card numbers.

Treat Formatted Data Fields Like VIPs

Most text fields require characters only. But those that require symbols for a specific format deserve special attention. Don’t ignore them and leave the user to figure out the format. Take responsibility for the data input you get and always use input masks to specify your format.

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