Checkboxes

What is it?

Lists that need to be comprehensively understood can be presented with checkboxes instead of bullet points. 

What problems does it solve?

Lists of required actions may be seen as examples, rather than definitive. Checklists communicate the need for comprehensive compliance is required whether or not the user is expected actually tick the boxes.

When to use it?

You can use them in any document where a list of requirements is set out. You can use them, for example, before a signature block to emphasize items that require specific acknowledgment, or in a request for proposal to help bidders to comply with your requirements.

You may not expect users to actually check the boxes, as the document does not have to be submitted anywhere. In these cases you can add tick icons to emphasize applicable or included items, or add cross icons to denote forbidden or excluded items.

Why use it?

Checkboxes signal that users should be careful to understand and comply with requirements.

Where to use it?

• Contract guides, manuals, and playbooks
• Requests for proposals, invitations to tender
• Training materials
• Policies
• Statutory or regulated information for consumers

© 2022 Rob Waller.
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