ui-form-design
Installation
SKILL.md
Form Design
Forms are where users do the most work for the least reward — every field, choice, and error message either reduces or adds to that cost.
Input field choices
| Input type | Guidance |
|---|---|
| Text field | Use a hint (placeholder-style example/format) inside or below the field instead of relying only on an external label, when space is tight |
| Dropdown (limited, known options) | Prefer select over free text — eliminates invalid input and typos |
| Dropdown (large or fuzzy option set) | Use type-or-enter (combobox) so users can filter by typing |
| Free text | Only when choices are unbounded or not enumerable |
Rule of thumb: if the valid values are a finite, enumerable set, use a select/dropdown — don't make users type something you could've offered as a choice.