I’ve reconciled myself to using tables to lay out forms, consoled by the idea that forms can be considered “interactive tabular data.” — fully aware that’s just an excuse, something I tell myself so I feel better (not so guilty). Richard Rutter suggests using definition lists. An interesting and satisfying idea, one I began to give serious consideration, trying to decide which technique I prefer. Then I realized something.

It doesn’t matter.

Sometimes, definition lists make semantic and practical sense in forms. I’m grateful for the idea. Sometimes, tables are more appropriate because the form is indeed tabular data. Sometimes mixing the two may be better. When it comes to doing the work, I’ll choose whatever is most appropriate to the content.

And in a year or two, I’ll look back at this and marvel at how naive I was.