Article Idea:
Forms Structure- Getting it right!
suggested by afshan kirmani on 2007/04/26
Most forms I see are created for the heck of it. “Just put in a few form elements; align the elements, structure it and wolaaa—we’re done!” You might assume that it’s done but the user is tormented most of the time.
I have decided that I should and must get this article out to ensure that forms are set right. Well, to start off, I have put down a few pointers that could begin a discussion.
Chunking information
- Information that should be chunked.
- How easy is this to perceive?
The right choice of a widget
- What is the right choice?
- What type of widget should be used when?
- How important is grouping?
- How do users look at information at a glance?
- Judging what they see.
The right length of a text field
- What is the right length when an entry needs to be made?
- How does one make it easier for a user to judge the information to be entered?
Field type
- How is an editable field vs. a non-editable field perceived?
- When is it the right time to provide for each?
The relation of a label with the text field
- The right space provided between a label and the field?
- How should they look related?
The alignment
- Aligning a form right.
- What is the best alignment technique?
- Visualizing what the user perceives.
Keyboard focus
- When does it benefit a user?
- How does this benefit a user?
The use of a wizard
- How important is it?
- What are the things to keep in mind while designing a wizard?
- Links to navigate in a wizard- when is this important?
The length of the form
- What is the right length of a form in a context?
- When do users reach a saturated point?
One column or two column layout?
- How do users perceive haphazard information?
- What users perceive best.
Horizontal scrolling/ vertical scrolling
- Are they permissible?
- How does it benefit/ not benefit a user.
The essence of information that should be upfront
- When is this critical?
- Ways to project this.
Verifying information
- How important is a verification page?
- What is the right way to project this?
- The right information to summarize.
Dealing with mental models
- Keeping pace with users and how they think.
- Mapping a context with what they want and what they need.
If you guys need answers, I’m right here!
Want to see this idea turned into a story?
12 people said yes. | 1 person said no.
robert hempsall
0 Reputation points
Posted 2007/04/28 @ 00:59AM with
This is a first post on this site so apologies if I’m straying immediately – I’m trying to work out whether the discussions are about on screen items only.
I’m sure this would make an interesting story, I’d be particularly interested to see how some elements match up to the equivalent answers for paper based forms – an area that is given an equal lack of consideration.
Donna Maurer
165 Reputation points
Posted 2007/04/30 @ 18:30PM with
This is more like an article series than an article. I’d like to see this suggestion broken into a workable series of articles, each on one topic of forms design and see which of those are most in demand.
But there are a number of good books that already cover the topic, so I wonder whether the article series is necessary anyway ;)
afshan kirmani
83 Reputation points
Posted 2007/05/04 @ 07:34AM with
Hmmm, I agree that there are a number of books that already exist. But my inputs after conducting user tests backed up with sufficient research would always help, wouldn’t it? ;) But I do agree that talking about all the functions in a single article would be an overload on our readers. Taking up each element would be a good solution, Donna!
Okay, so let’s take up one element as of now. Hmmm, a verification page in a form?
As I specialize in the banking sector, I notice that on most of the sites- be it an online banking application form, a mortgage form or an auto insurance application form- sites do not provide a verification page before the applicant submits his information online. With our tests conducted, we see how important this page can be as it benefits our users.
The key here is to provide best practice methods. This would help us gain an understanding of the entire application process and further analyze what users actually expect and need.
afshan kirmani
83 Reputation points
Posted 2007/05/04 @ 07:47AM with
Robert, our discussions here are not always about online items. We could discuss anything under the sun, if it can interest our reader’s!
There are several factors that contribute to the disgust on people’s faces when they begin to fill in paper based forms. The complete lack of understanding that people have other things to do is most likely the case, especially here in India. This happens all the time when I visit my local bank. I enter the bank and the first thing that is thrust upon me- aaah, you guessed right, my friend- a disgusting looking form that has about a hundred questions for me to answer. Of course, once I begin filling in information, I encounter huge amounts of usability related problems. But all I get from my relationship manager is a sympathetic smile!
I specifically wanted to discuss online forms as most users today are going paperless. With the advent of online banking, who needs to visit a local branch, Robert? :)
Norell Barker
2 Reputation points
Posted 2007/05/10 @ 22:51PM with
Hey Afshan,
I’m a fan already! Being a designer, it is important to know what exactly needs to go right in a form. We do find books on what you have proposed but in that case everything here on the site could be found someplace or the other. I’m quite sure you will would have some insights as well that could be shared.
Go ahead and shoot us with what you have. :)