I've noticed that when creating a large, dynamic, multi-tab form, the labels and help texts can get in the way of actually viewing the actual entered information in the form. It's actually pretty tricky to come up with technical solutions where the labels are initially very clear up front, when people are adding data, but disappear in the background when most of the information has been entered so the actual contents can get most of the visual focus.
It's easy to show in detail how a big, friendly and accessible label makes a field more usable, but in the context of a large, complex form, the overview of the form structure and completeness of the data already entered are also important. Too prominent labels and too much help text can distract significantly, also for those who are visually impaired or are relying on screen readers.
My conclusion is that some form of two-phase, view/edit approach seems to work best for large forms. Labels and help are minimal by default, but the parts or "blocks" the user is actively editing gets more help and meta information added while it has the focus.
> the overview of the form structure and completeness of the data already entered are also important
Hum... The entered data is only important on the context of the place it is in.
By default labels and inputs have very clearly different appearances so that they would not be confused. And if you make the label information not accessible, you have just made the input information context-free and thus useless.
(Also, what is that with text prominence and screen readers? Are you completely removing the labels for blind people?)
It's easy to show in detail how a big, friendly and accessible label makes a field more usable, but in the context of a large, complex form, the overview of the form structure and completeness of the data already entered are also important. Too prominent labels and too much help text can distract significantly, also for those who are visually impaired or are relying on screen readers.
My conclusion is that some form of two-phase, view/edit approach seems to work best for large forms. Labels and help are minimal by default, but the parts or "blocks" the user is actively editing gets more help and meta information added while it has the focus.