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Re: proper use of labels

for

From: Terrence Wood
Date: Jun 16, 2005 2:16AM

I don't think it (html spec?) assumes anything of the sort, it simply
says that the title attribute is useful for displaying additional
information. I do agree that ultimately the best solution is a text
label in close proximity to the form control it describes for both
situations you describe: a greater acquirable target, and improved
readability of the form.

Take a look at my example below using a title and label together.
Clearly the title would make a lousy label -- and arguably makes a
lousy title ;-) -- but it carries a lot of information and hopefully
demonstrates how both can be used to improve usability. Don't forget
most browsers render titles as tool tips.

<label for="date">todays date (dd-mm-yy): <input type="text"
name="date" id="date" title="enter todays date as two numbers each for
day, month and year, separated by a dash." /></label>

regards
Terrence Wood.


On 16 Jun 2005, at 6:12 PM, Christian Heilmann wrote:

> This assumes though that labels are only helpful to visitors with
> screen readers and then only those who have set them to read out
> titles to them. Labels also help visitors with cognitive disabilities
> and dexterity problems and those with low vision.
> Just because the guidelines are OK with it and big companies seem to
> use a technique doesn't make it a good solution. A clear label telling
> me what the form element is makes it a lot easier for all users,
> regardless of (dis)ability.