Checkbox
A checkbox is a form element that allows users to select one or multiple options from a list.
UX text
Write checkbox labels so that the customers can easily understand what it means to check the box or leave it blank. It can be difficult when customers must check an individual stand-alone checkbox, for example, that they accept the terms or want to receive news and offers by e-mail. Or when they should be able to turn a setting on or off and it is essential that they actively take a stand on the choice. (If there is a default option that almost everyone will choose, use a toggle instead.)
The label and options must also be adapted to suit each other. If the field label is a yes or no question, the answer options should be yes and no and nothing else. Since the user can only choose one of these options, use radio buttons instead.
Furthermore, remember to write consistent options. Decide if the options should
- consist of complete sentences beginning with uppercase and ending with a full stop
- constitute one continuing sentence beginning with lowercase and only the last point ending with a full stop
or
- a single word or a couple of words and no full stop.
Negations
Avoid negations and use the I-form
Avoid negations such as Do not send me more e-mails in the checkbox label, as this would mean that users have to check the box to prevent something from happening. Also, do not use questions like Do you want newsletters from us? The convention is to use the I-form for this type of checkbox.
Do
- Ja tack, jag vill ha förtur på exklusiva erbjudanden och nyheter via mejl.
- Yes please, I want to get priority on exclusive offers and news by e-mail.
Don't
- Vill du ha exklusiva erbjudanden och nyheter via mejl?
- Do you want to get priority on exclusive offers and news by e-mail?
- Ja tack, jag vill inte missa exklusiva erbjudanden och nyheter via mejl.
- Yes please, I do not want to miss out on preference on exclusive offers and news by e-mail.
Accepting the terms
When the user accepts terms, use I-form and avoid a question
Do
- Jag har läst informationen och granskat de uppgifter jag fyllt i. Jag försäkrar att de är riktiga.
- I have read the information and reviewed what I entered in the form. I ensure that everything is correct.
Don't
- Försäkrar du att du läst informationen och granskat de uppgifter du fyllt i? Försäkrar du att de är riktiga?
- Have you read the information and reviewed what was entered in the form? Can you ensure that everything is correct?
Multiple options
Decide if the options should consist of complete sentences beginning with uppercase and ending with a full stop, constitute one continuing sentence beginning with lowercase and only the last point ending with a full stop or a single word or a couple of words and no full stop. Provide clear instructions that the user can select multiple options. The label and options must also be adapted to suit each other. If the field label is a yes or no question, the answer options should be yes and no and nothing else.
Do
- Provide clear instructions that the user can select multiple options.
- The label and options must also be adapted to suit each other. If the field label is a yes or no question, the answer options should be yes and no and nothing else.
Options texts
Do
- Write option texts that are consistent.