Inconsistent Element Labels

Form labels are used to identify the purpose of form controls such as text fields, checkboxes, radio buttons and so on.

Implementation

  • If the same interactive element is used in different places that has same purpose and performs same action, the label SHOULD be consistent.
    For example, if there’s a dropdown to change the language in header and footer, the label provided SHOULD be same in order to avoid any confusion.
  • The same label SHOULD NOT be used for elements that would appear same but perform different actions.
    For example, if there’s a gear icon that expands/collapse different options in main content to change the settings on that specific screen and the same icon is used in header to navigate to settings page of the web application, the label SHOULD be provided as “Screen Settings” and “Application Settings” respectively.

Why is it important?

Well-defined consistent element labels majorly benefit the below users.

  • People with cognitive disabilities
  • People with visual disabilities
  • People using speech input