Which type of form component should be used when choosing from fewer than five options, and a selection is required?

Using a radio button field is the most suitable choice when you need to allow users to select from fewer than five options, with the stipulation that a selection is required. Radio buttons are designed specifically for scenarios where only one option can be selected from a small set of predefined choices. This structure clearly indicates to users that their selection is mandatory and helps prevent confusion about how many options they can choose.

The visual representation of radio buttons makes it easy for users to quickly see all available options at once, which is particularly advantageous when dealing with a limited number of choices. Unlike checkboxes, which are typically used for multiple selections, radio buttons highlight the exclusivity of the choice being made. This ensures that users focus on making one specific selection, aligning perfectly with the requirement that a selection is needed when there are fewer than five options.

In contrast, dropdown fields can be more appropriate when there are many options to choose from but may not clearly indicate to users that a selection is mandatory. Checkbox fields would allow for multiple selections, which goes against the need for a single required selection. Text fields are not suitable for this scenario as they require user input rather than selection from predefined options, and they might not enforce the required nature of the selection effectively.