5 tips for writing long forms without frustrating users
Collecting health data, managing complex B2B services, and filing for government-related services often require users to fill out long forms. The best practice is to keep form content short sand simple. But there are times when the complexity can’t be avoided. It’s becomes a necessary evil, so you need to lean into it and write in a way that’ll still make the process a smooth one. Here are five ways to do that:
Break questions into chunks
Instead of overwhelming users with, say, 20+ questions at once, break them into 4-5 logical categories. For instance, for an insurance service, organize the wall of questions into sections like Basic Info, Financial Details, and Preferences
It helps users focus on separate categories with fewer questions, without being discouraged by subtexts like 3 out of 30 questions left
Another tip is to prime users on what's coming next. After completing each category, display a quick preview screen of the next category to tackle. Example:
Basic Info complete
Up Next: Financial Details (12 questions)
Offer clear guidance for complex questions
Complex forms often require a high level of effort, and the last thing you want is incomplete or inaccurate data because users didn’t have enough context to answer questions confidently.
Worse, they might abandon the form if they’re unsure about providing certain information. For complex or sensitive questions, make sure to provide additional guidance to help users understand what’s being asked and why it matters. Use these:
Tooltips or expandable help text for additional clarification
Examples of the type of information required
Links to articles, documentation or external content for users to read and get the necessary information
Split loaded questions with conditional logic
Loaded questions can confuse users by packing too much information into a single question, making it harder to understand and answer accurately. Fix this by applying conditional logic to adapt the questions based on the user’s previous answers, and present relevant follow-up questions
Here’s an example for a movie subscription service: Do you currently have a subscription, and if so, is it monthly or annual?
This is a loaded question because it combines two inquiries into one, meaning it’ll be harder to answer
You can simplify it by breaking it down using conditional logic:
Do you have a subscription? (Yes/No)
If Yes: 'Is it monthly or annual?' (Monthly/Annual)
Only those who select 'Yes' will see the follow-up question about the subscription type
Clarify vague questions
When users are unsure about what you're asking, they might misinterpret it, guess the wrong answer, or even abandon the form altogether. This is quite common in forms dealing with specific technical or business-related topics
It’s best to avoid any ambiguity that could make users hesitate, and instead write questions that are clear, direct, and easy to understand. If a question feels too broad, break it down into smaller, more specific parts to make it easier to answer
A question like, How do you handle online payments? in an eCommerce-related form is too broad and could be interpreted in several ways. Are you asking about payment methods, platforms, or security practices? Instead, break it down into clear, focused questions like:
Which payment platforms do you use for online transactions?
Do you offer multiple payment options to customers? (Yes/No)
What security measures do you have in place for online payments?
Set clear expectations with estimated completion time
At the beginning of the form, let users know approximately how long it will take to complete. so they know how much time they’ll be spending on it. Additionally, include a save and return option to give them the flexibility to pause and continue later
It’s really helpful in cases where users might need to gather additional information before proceeding. By saving their progress, they can complete the form at their own pace, which helps reduce abandonment
Long forms don’t have to be a pain. When designed well, they can still offer a smooth, user-friendly experience that makes even complex data collection feel like a breeze