effective registration: part 3

Usability tips for effective registration forms

Always differentiate mandatory fields from optional fields with an asterisk (*) as users may assume they have to enter all fields or fill in only the fields they feel like only to get an error message to fill the required fields, which can be frustrating both ways.

Make the user's email address the user name for logging in to the site as it is easier to remember. You must send login details to their personal email address as soon as the registration is submitted.

If a password needs to be validated by the use of characters or length mention it clearly. Ask the user to repeat their password to ensure they have remembered, ask for a security check for forgotten passwords.

When uploading external files such as images, videos or documents, state the format required and size limit.

For information fields that are not necessarily as straightforward as the user's name, date of birth, country, etc. but mandatory nonetheless, or considered miscellaneous optional items, state briefly what it is for.

Do not pre-select opt-ins for email updates and promotions as it can be easily overlooked by the user and would be an annoyance if they receive emails from the site which they would consider spam.

Finally, always say ‘thank you for your registration’…