Home | Computers & Technology | Web | Html


How to Improve Your Web Forms

By: Jason Smith

As you settle down to create a web form, chances are this is your first
attempt - meaning there will be room for improvement. In your experience
on the Web, you will have probably come across a poorly designed web form
before, but never stopped to think how it became that way. When you
start to generate your own, you may soon see how it is easy to fall victim to
some of the most common web form blunders. In order to create a web
form that is not distracting or difficult to use, try considering the following
suggestions:

Avoid Large Drop-Downs

Sprawling drop downs are distracting and annoying, meaning it isn't
necessary to list every possibility of a state, country, or other information
included the world. The scroll bars of large drop down lists are inconvenient
and most people would rather type in the information rather than waste
time scanning a long list. It is not uncommon to lose interest or potential
clients when filling out web forms because they are too tedious.

Offer Suggestions

A popular way to make life easier for a website user is to assist them in their
decision-making regarding usernames, domain names, or passwords.
Sometimes, people choose selections that are not available (taken by
another user). Instead of alerting them to "please try again," try offering a
few suggestions or alternatives for them to consider. For example, when
"surfergirl" is taken, make recommendations, such as "beachgirl,"
"surferlover," "beachbum," or "surfergal" - anything to lend a helping hand.

Help Double Submitters

For some, it is a natural reaction to double-click on buttons, especially the
ones marked "submit." Websites that allow this blunder in advance offer a
much better reception than those who "punish" users for this mistake. Some
sites use Javascript to gray out the submit button once it has been selected
the first time, which avoids this common problem in the long run.

Scrap Confusing Formats

With the many different kinds of web forms, one of the most annoying
formats deals with the birth date. The "dd/mm/yyyy" format is quite
confusing for many and when it isn't entered correctly, the form spits back
the information and requests changes. Too many confusing formats in a form
will frustrate users.

Limit Display Warnings

The display warnings that appear on a page are quite annoying. These pop-
up alert boxes may decorate a computer screen, telling a user they need to
fix something in their form. The best way to deal with incorrect form
responses is to place the warning within the page and not throw out a
distracting pop-up. Sometimes, using the color red (as in a red border) is the
best way to call attention to users. Dialog boxes that require an "OK" click
wastes time.

International Respect

When creating a web form, know that you will reach a wide range of visitors,
who live in many different places about the world. A web form that ignores
the rest of the world will only limit the response and communication from
worldwide visitors who do not fit into the scope of acceptable cities, states,
or zip codes. This is why it is important to leave room for users to designate
their country, postal code, or other identifying information.

Short Web Forms

To make a web form more attractive to the public, you should keep the
questioning short and sweet. It is suggested to stick with the information
required to complete the form, forgoing extra requirements that simply
wastes the time of users. Some people ease in "optional" questions in hopes
to gain details without using force.

In the end, following these suggestions will find you with less frustrated
visitors, who won't mind filling out one of your forms in the future.

Article Source: http://www.articlewheel.com

For more website tips and to see my XSite Pro Bonus Pack, please visit my webiste.

Social Bookmarks:
AddThis Social Bookmark Button Social Bookmarks



  Site Links We Support:
  Home
About Us
Contact Us
RSS Feeds
Privacy Policy
Terms of Service
Link Partners
 
 


**scoop**

Powered by Article Dashboard