Odd UX Question about Mandatory/Optional Fields

Process & Techniques
#1

Hi Friends,

I have a odd question about mandatory fields that I am hoping for some help on.

I have three tabs in a business application. These tabs have different fields. On the third tab, I can preview & submit the data in a couple of ways. 1) I can save and resume later or 2) Submit the form.

In the case of the first scenario, “Save and Resume Later” a field on tab 2 is required. In the case of the second scenario, “Submit”, the field in question is not required. So essentially there are three states this input control can be in:

  1. Optional
  2. Mandatory
  3. Mandatory if “Save & Resume Later” is clicked.

This is an odd scenario that I have not come across in the past. Can anyone offer any advice on how to best handle this?

Thank you.

#2

Imho: Yes, this is an odd scenario. ¯_(ツ)_/¯

Why is this field only mandatory for “Save & Resume Later”?

#3

Short answer. Because of the business requirements.