UX Tip #4: Automatically trigger keyboards in mobile forms
Save your users precious time by using this simple tip
Pro tip: Automatically focus a field and show the keyboard when your users get to a form screen with a limited amount of fields. Simple as that.
This little tip will save your users tons of time when going through your mobile application or website.
Why is this helpful?
You are effectively reducing the number of taps it takes for your users to fill in information. This interaction pattern becomes even more effective when repeated across several screens, resulting in a very seamless form filling flow. That allows your users to focus on one thing at a time but without the added hassle of tapping in different form fields.
When to use it?
This is ideal for onboarding & registration flows, or generally any step-by-step forms with a limited number of fields per screen. This is nowadays a very popular approach in mobile apps.
When not to use it?
In long forms with more than 3 fields, you run the risk of obstructing key information for your users, so I’d recommend you avoid it.
Also, if there is important/sensitive information your users need to read before filling in a form, then it’s best to avoid it. This pattern will instantly shift a user’s focus to the field, and they might miss information that is above or below.
It’s also best to avoid this pattern in mobile web, a) due to technical restrictions in several browsers, as well as b) due to the limited real-estate of a mobile browser.
What are some popular apps using this?
Revolut, Monzo, Robinhood, Airbnb