What is the term for a numeric input field of a specific format?

Question

There are new HTML5 input types being defined for commonly used numeric input types such as date, time, telephone number, etc. These terms refer to a specific input format based on the type of numeric data that needs to be captured and displayed.

I was wondering if there is a more generic term used for numeric input that is required in a specific format (but not any particular format), since the term 'specific format numeric input' is probably not commonly used. This would indicate that the input field is not a free text input that is then validated, but the format of the input itself would create some constraints in the type of numeric data that can be entered. An example of this would be credit card details with digits separated the same way as it is displayed on the credit card.

The only thing that comes to mind is a 'fixed' or 'formatted' numeric input field. Any other suggestions?

Free text format

Fixed input format

This should not be a 'technical' sounding term since it is also intended for UX specification for designers and other UX people, so I prefer not to use a developer term but something everyone can understand. Also, the term should reflect the fact that it is not a free text looking field, but something that already indicates to the user that it has a specific input format.

Answer 1

The term used for these format-constrained inputs is masked inputs or mask input.

Here is a demo which includes a broad range of masks (date, time, phone number, etc). If you Google 'masked input' you will find plenty more examples.

http://igorescobar.github.io/jQuery-Mask-Plugin/

And a screenshot for posterity in case the link dies in the future.

It isn't a particularly descriptive term for lay users (e.g. your marketing team). For that kind audience, I describe them as 'formatted inputs' or 'formatted number inputs', but then introduce the term 'masked input' so they know how to use it in the future.

Here's another common masked input, the Windows serial number widget:

For extra geek credit, the term is an evolution of an approach used in data entry in the early days of programming to ensure correct input. See:

• Wikipedia: Input Mask
• What is an input mask?

Answer 2

These are units or formats you are talking about. For example a date is a numeric format that consists of three units: years months and days. It will depend on the context which term to use actually.

Since the question got edited it is now clear that it is about inputs that guide users to a valid format. In that case guided/guiding inputs could be an option.

If thats not the appropriate term to use, how about strict inputs, since it is a strict format to follow. Or you might prefer to talk about a precise format and precise inputs but as I said, it all depends on the context.

Answer 3

I am trying to come up with some common terms and definitions that are suitable to use for specification or design documents

I don’t think i can come-up with a better suggestion than the one you mentioned "formatted' numeric input field" Its the best possible outcome and I don't think you should worry too much because its long, though you can make adjustments when this is included in documentation. For example:

Formatted Input Field (numeric) where numeric becomes an additional attribute!

The most important thing is that its understandable and clear and given that it needs to go into documentation for an audience that might not be well versed in technical knowledge, the logic should be that descriptivness beats conciseness

If we look at this purely from labelling point of view then your suggestion is the least ambiguous and most descriptive of all alternatives I have seen so far and would be the most useful for a larger audience.

Input Field vs Input Type or Input Element:

If you are to ask as many people in your target audience to define this element than I am sure that the majority will use “input field ” or “input box” its a hypothesis but could be easily tested:)

The term “Input Field” will work well as opposed to "Input Type" or "Input Element" these being more ambiguous and could trigger further inquires when used in design documentation. Also the term "Input Field" focuses on a unique element with a descriptor "field" as opposed to using input or inputs only, which could be confused with other form controls.

Formatted Input Fields:

The term "formatted" is both descriptive, unambiguous and its meaning is widely understood which will help convey how the input field works as opposed to “fixed” which is very restrictive and unfamiliar and could lead readers to question it further.

In addition,the term "formatted" denotes the act of arranging or put into a format regardless of how this is done which in my opinion describes: What the field is rather than how it works.

Answer 4

You don't like the term type so how about structured or structured input.

Formatted is not a good as a date has many formats.

If I understand what you are asking why not just use what is called in HTML - type
Why not just go by the actual input type name and call them types
The tech name as in

<input type="text"

The type values/names are pretty clear even to non-developers
HTML5 added several new input types:

color
date
datetime
datetime-local
email
month
number
range
search
tel
time
url
week

The type is more than just a format. It can dictate a behavior.
This link covers it much better than I can HTML5 input types.
I know that link is techy and this is a UX site but behaviors are part of UX.

Your example of date, time, and telephone number as specific formats is not correct. Date can be 1/31/2000 or 2000.01.31. Time can be 2:15 PM or 14:15.

I don't know why you are arguing with a masked input as if you want to restrict to a specific input format that is exactly what a mask does.

To call date a "format" is an over simplification. Not all months have the same number of days.

Beyond a mask is validated input. For example not all credit card numbers of 16 digits are valid. There is checksum type validation. Then there is a name matches the number validation.

• A type means one thing but can have multiple formats
  A type will determine equality of different formats
  1/31/2000 = 2000.01.31 (date)
  12.00 = 12.0 (decimal)
• A mask only accepts certain input
• A validation performs advanced processing beyond just static input rules (e.g. 16 digits)

Answer 5

Numeric Input Pattern, as suggested terminology from HTML5:

http://html5pattern.com/

I see it as a Subset of a Numeric Input.