What this means
Placeholder text is the hint inside an empty field. It disappears when someone types. A visible label and important instructions should remain available after an answer has been entered.
Passing examples
- 'Date of visit' stays above the field after a date is entered.
- 'Use day/month/year' remains visible beside the date field.
- A field has a persistent label and an optional example placeholder that can safely disappear.
Failing examples
- The only label is a faint 'Email' placeholder that disappears during typing.
- Password rules disappear as soon as the first character is entered.
- A person must erase their answer to see which question the field asks.