UI Design
Input
An input is a field where a person types information, such as a name, email address, or search term.
Why it matters
Forms are where many tasks succeed or fail. A clear input tells people what to enter and reassures them when they get it right or wrong.
In depth
Give each input a persistent label placed above the field rather than relying on placeholder text, which disappears once typing begins and leaves people guessing. Each state — default, focus, filled, error, and disabled — should look visibly different so the field's status is never in doubt. A placeholder can show an example, but it is not a substitute for a label.
Real-world example
An email field on a sign-up form shows a label reading 'Email address' above the box, with the box border turning red if the entry is invalid.
Related terms