Forgiving input for seniors: Seniors also have a harder time using unforgiving search engines and forms. We saw users thwarted because they typed hyphens in their search queries, and punished because they used hyphens or parentheses in a telephone or credit card number. In search queries, if a user types a dash or hyphen, ignore it by default. At the very least, detect it and specifically inform the user to remove it and search again. Accept dashes and hyphens as part of the string of credit card numbers. As much as possible, accept grammatically correct variations of your site’s URL. Consider registering several domain names.

Search reluts for seniors: If the search area of your site offers both a search and browsing interface, clearly separate the search box from the browsing area. (For all sites, make the search area and the area’s limits obvious.) Cross-reference terms to ensure that searches reap results. In search results, always clearly repeat the user’s query. Write clear and concise help for search, putting the most important information first. Precisely label the search field. Reserve the word Search for open fields where users can type in actual search queries. Ensure that search results are visible on the page without scrolling.