Add sequential identifiers in front of form questions

[bryan-robitaille]

User story: Persona based As an end-user I need to be able to identify a specific question So that I can cross reference with a submission guide

User story: Persona based As an end-user I need to be able to find a specific question So that I have greater context into what question I missed

Outstanding questions:

• What type of sequential identifiers do we use for Dynamic rows? (i, ii, iii / a, b, c, / etc.)

[hillaryl]

Note for future iterations: the use of submission guides isn't an ideal pattern from a heuristics perspective, especially moving from PDF/Paper to online forms. Critical information on how to answer a question is best provided in context, when someone is answering the question. ( #6 Recognition rather than recall)

While we know that clients are going to use them anyways, we should think about how we can eliminate the need for them. Tagging @ioanacontu for possible design system input in the future.

[hillaryl]

Have we thought about how we'll reconcile consistency in numbering with conditional logic? E.g. if questions are shown or not shown based on the answer to a previous question

[hillaryl]

What type of sequential identifiers do we use for Dynamic rows?

(i, ii, iii / a, b, c, / etc.) Research approach suggested for this:

1. Get content design guidance on which format to use
2. During next rounds of usability testing with end-users and gov-users, include a task that will uncover barriers with finding a question using that format

[bryan-robitaille]

Thank you Hillary. I really hadn't though of the complexities numbering could bring with conditional logic. I like the contextual approach that you mentioned and look forward to some guidance from design.

[bryan-robitaille]

Also a +1 on the possibility of exploring that question more through usability testing.

[hillaryl]

Guidance from @SmartMouthWords: don't use sequential identifiers on dynamic rows beyond the first layer of hierarchy.

7. Organization information Organization 1

• Organization name
• Organization type

Error summaries should refer to the item label

7. Organization information - Organization 1: Please enter an organization name

and link to the error in context.

Applicant guides likely use this method of referencing as well in cases where there are multiple boxes.

[hillaryl]

As an end-user I need to be able to find a specific question So that I have greater context into what question I missed

If there are links in the summary, do we need to add additional context with numbers? Asking because non-sequential numbers in the summary could introduce new usability issues.

_3. Please enter a numeric value _4. Please complete the required field to continue _17. Please enter a valid telephone number _19. Please enter a valid email

Will someone using a screen reader know that "Three" refers to field #3?