Make online forms easier for everyone

UX tips for public sector and not-for-profit teams to reduce form drop-offs and improve completion rates with smarter, simpler design.

Only ask what you truly need

Long forms feel overwhelming — focus on essential fields only.

Cut the fluff

Remove any “nice to have” questions that don’t affect the outcome.

Use the data you already have

Avoid asking users for info that your system already stores.

Group optional fields last

Don’t put optional questions up front.

Audit your forms

Regularly review fields with staff — ask, “Do we still need this?”

Use plain language for field labels

Group questions into logical sections

Use progressive disclosure

Make forms easy to complete on mobile

Handle errors with care

Give feedback on completion

Design for assistive technology

Minimise cognitive load

Let users save and resume later

Only ask what you truly need

Long forms feel overwhelming — focus on essential fields only.

Cut the fluff

Remove any “nice to have” questions that don’t affect the outcome.

Use the data you already have

Avoid asking users for info that your system already stores.

Group optional fields last

Don’t put optional questions up front.

Audit your forms

Regularly review fields with staff — ask, “Do we still need this?”

Use plain language for field labels

Group questions into logical sections

Use progressive disclosure

Make forms easy to complete on mobile

Handle errors with care

Give feedback on completion

Design for assistive technology

Minimise cognitive load

Let users save and resume later

Only ask what you truly need

Long forms feel overwhelming — focus on essential fields only.

Cut the fluff

Remove any “nice to have” questions that don’t affect the outcome.

Use the data you already have

Avoid asking users for info that your system already stores.

Group optional fields last

Don’t put optional questions up front.

Audit your forms

Regularly review fields with staff — ask, “Do we still need this?”

Use plain language for field labels

Group questions into logical sections

Use progressive disclosure

Make forms easy to complete on mobile

Handle errors with care

Give feedback on completion

Design for assistive technology

Minimise cognitive load

Let users save and resume later

© 2025 Mugs Studio. All rights reserved.

© 2025 Mugs Studio. All rights reserved.

© 2025 Mugs Studio. All rights reserved.