Fieldhelps

Fieldhelps is a term used in user interface design to describe contextual help provided for individual data-entry fields in forms. It encompasses inline text, help icons, placeholders, tooltips, and small descriptive messages that guide users about the expected input, format, or constraints for a given field. Fieldhelps aim to reduce input errors and improve comprehension, particularly for unfamiliar fields or domain-specific requirements.

In practice, fieldhelps appear on focus or hover, or are shown persistently under the field. They may include examples, allowed formats, or links to more detailed documentation. They should be accessible to assistive technologies, using proper associations (for example aria-describedby) and readable language. Clear fieldhelps can also reduce support queries by preemptively clarifying common questions about a field.

Design considerations for fieldhelps include conciseness, consistency, and localization. They should not duplicate information already shown by labels or validation messages, and should adapt to different screen sizes. Good fieldhelps balance helpfulness with visual simplicity and should remain accessible to users with disabilities.

Variants of fieldhelps include inline hints, tooltips, and persistent help text, as well as dynamic messages that change with user input. They are common in web and mobile forms, enterprise software, and SaaS interfaces, where they support accurate data entry and smoother user flows.

See also: contextual help, form validation, tooltips, accessibility, ARIA descriptions.