Where does the term “lorem ipsum” come from?
Lorem Ipsum, a commonly used placeholder text, originates from a section of Cicero’s De finibus bonorum et malorum (45 BC), but exists in a modified form. During the 16th century, a typesetter altered word order to produce a specimen book, resulting in reduced clarity and a focus on typeface and layout; this approach is still seen to some degree.
What are some common examples of Placeholder Text?
The most universal example is Lorem Ipsum, the block of faux-Latin text used for long paragraphs. Other common examples are short, instructional hints placed inside form fields:
· “Enter your email address.”
· “e.g., 555-123-4567” (used to show the required format)
· “Search here…”
How do designers and developers generate Placeholder Text?
Designers and developers use different methods to generate such content:
• Online generators/built-in features: Designers generally use resources such as Lorem Ipsum generators or elements included in design programs (Figma, Adobe XD) that allow the rapid creation of large filler text blocks for their work.
• Faker libraries: The developers use code libraries (often referred to as faker libraries) to create the production of the data that is dynamic, but believable, and includes (names, dates, locations, and text blocks) for the purpose of testing the functionality of the software and populating the database.
Is there a difference between Placeholder Text and a “Placeholder Attribute” in web forms?
Indeed, they represent two different things. Placeholder text is a general term for any dummy content, which might even contain large parts of Lorem Ipsum. At the same time, the placeholder attribute is a single HTML5 feature that is found only on form inputs (<input>, <textarea>). It’s a short prompt that is removed from view when a user starts entering text.
Why this distinction matters:
The placeholder attribute can serve as a guide by providing examples (e.g., format); however, it’s advisable to employ it cautiously when conveying significant directions, especially those needing permanent clarity.
When should you not use Placeholder Text in a design?
The effectiveness of using only the HTML placeholder attribute for web form field labels may vary.
Warum:
Labels are the heart of accessibility and user experience. For some users, removing placeholder text upon typing may influence their form completion experience and understanding of key information.
Are there any modern alternatives to traditional Placeholder Text?
Modern UI/UX design presents different approaches, including those for form hints and loading states:
• Floating labels: This pattern is preferred in forms. The hint initiates within the input field, resembling a placeholder, and subsequently transitions to a persistent label above the field upon user interaction, potentially addressing accessibility concerns.
• Skeletal screens: Their use for loading content may be considered an alternative to displaying extended text blocks. Employing gray, animated shapes to mimic the layout (text lines, image boxes) before content loading relates to how quickly the page seems to load.
Fazit
Placeholder text serves as a component in the design and development workflow, enabling teams to preview and construct Layouts independently of the final content’s availability. However, while some might argue that generic filler text is sufficient for large blocks, designing and developing the use of the form-specific placeholder attribute should be done with extreme caution and as minimally as possible, so that it does not in any way hinder Benutzererfahrung and accessibility by replacing permanent labels.
