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Required VS Optional

for

From: Murphy, Sean
Date: Aug 31, 2020 10:25PM

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Team,

WE are in the process of building components for our design system and come=
across a difference of opinion on the use of required VS Optional.

The current trend from the research we have undertaken thus far is towards =
only providing required fields with optional fields sparingly. The optional=
fields will have the word at the end of the label. Discussion surrounding =
having instructions stating all fields are required, otherwise stated, or w=
ords to that fact. UX research which has been found states only required fi=
elds should be on the form, as this assists with cognitive load and optiona=
l fields reduce usability of the form.

3.3.2Labels or Instructions<https://www.w3.org/WAI/WCAG21/quickref/#labels-=
or-instructions> states:
In a form which contains both required and optional fields, the required fi=
elds and/or the optional fields are clearly labelled as such.

The techniques do not reference the use of labels with option in them. Only=
reference providing clear labels and instructions for required.

Thus, you could argue if the form clearly indicates "Optional" for the fiel=
ds. You don't need the "required" indicators at aria or the UI level. Since=
it is implicit any field without "Optional" is required. Hence using that =
design, the form fields pass this SC.

* Is there any accessibility research out there why the trend is to use=
required over optional on forms?
* Any research why ARIA-required is present and there is no ARIA-Option=
al?

Thoughts on this are more than welcomed.




Regards
Sean Murphy

[cid:image001.png@01D68069.8684CD60]

Sean Murphy | Senior Digital System specialist (Accessibility)
Telstra Digital Channels | Digital Systems
Mobile: 0405 129 739 | Desk: (02) 9866-7917
Digital Systems Launch Page<https://confluence.in.telstra.com.au/display/DC=
SYS/Digital+Systems+-+Able+Home>
Accessibility Single source of Truth<https://confluence.in.telstra.com.au/d=
isplay/DCSYS/Accessibility+Resources>


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