pattern-library checked
U.S. Web Design System: Form component
Documents form accessibility guidance including DOM order, validation aligned with inputs, fieldset and legend grouping, required indicators, and disabled-state cautions such as explaining why an element is disabled and supporting screen reader and keyboard users.
Pattern Decisions This Source Supports
| Pattern | Supported decision | Required contract | Claim note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dependent fields | Choose dependent fields when one answer controls another field's valid choices, requirement, editability, helper text, or validation. | Users encounter the controlling field before the dependent field in reading and tab order. | USWDS supports explaining disabled states, aligning validation with inputs, and preserving accessible form order for dependent controls. |
| Required field hidden by conditional logic | Flag this anti-pattern when a required field can block submit while it is hidden, collapsed, disabled, off-screen, absent from the current route, or disconnected from its trigger. | Selecting a trigger that creates a required follow-up reveals that follow-up immediately in logical DOM and visual order. | USWDS form guidance supports required indicators, validation alignment, DOM order, grouping, and explaining disabled states. |
Evidence Role
This source is treated as pattern-library evidence. Use it to validate the decision rules above, not as a visual style reference.
Publisher: U.S. Web Design System. Last checked: .