Forms+and+Design

=Forms and Design=

toc

Introduction
Although forms are an effective method of gathering information, they aren't always the most usable for the people filling them out. The only reason for this is that most online forms are poorly designed.

Types of Forms: The List
>

Types of Forms: The Details
1. The drop-down box:
 * one choice is shown automatically
 * user clicks on down arrow to reveal other options
 * user selects only one option

2. Radio buttons:
 * all possible choices are shown
 * user selects only one option

3. Check boxes:
 * all possible choices are shown
 * user selects one or more options or leaves all blank if none apply

4. The type-in box:
 * type in any response on keyboard
 * leave blank if not applicable

5. Hyperlinks:
 * words underlined and highlighted in blue link and open to new page

The Purposes
Sign-up (for new services i.e. credit card applications) >
 * Bank of America [|Credit Card Application] Form
 * Note: the drop-down box (Occupation, Income, Class), the type-in boxes and the radio buttons (Student Status).

Log-in (eg. e-mail services) >
 * Hotmail E-mail [|Sign-in] Form
 * Note: the type-in boxes (e-mail address and password), the radio buttons (sign-in preferences) and the hyperlinks (forgot password, enhanced security sign-in).

Searches (eg. Google) >
 * Google Homepage [|Search] Form
 * Note: hyperlinks (web search, image search, groups search, etc.), type-in box, radio buttons (search the web, search pages from Canada).

Others > Collecting information for business purposes (i.e. corporate information)**
 * Surveys (i.e. for studies)

Problems

 * they are too long
 * questions are not posed in a clear way
 * if form isn't filled out properly, instructions on where to find the mistake isn't clearly provided
 * restrictions aren't set properly - for example, after submitting the form they're told they cant put spaces
 * limit the user to answers they may not find pertinent - take control away from user

Effective Form Design Principles

 * keep questions short
 * word questions in plain English
 * write sentences as short as possible, in passive form
 * ensure questions are relevant and useful
 * build trust with the user - be explicit with what the form is used for, how their answers will help
 * incorporate few controls
 * avoid redundancy - don't ask for similar information in different questions
 * limit the need for typing - use drop-down boxes and check boxes as opposed to forcing users to fillout information
 * be explicit with instructions - if the telephone number shouldn't have spaces between them, write that in
 * run tests to pinpoint usability issues before releasing the form publicly

Form Creation: Online Tools
[|Survey Monkey] (Free Trial Available) [|Question Pro] (Free Trial Available) [|Zoomerang] (Free Trial Available) [|Key Survey] (Free Trial Available)