Filling out forms online goes against intuitive behaviour.
When we do this in 'normal life', i.e. on something printed, we usually have a quick shifty through it before we fill it out. It gives that all important overview and prepares us beforehand. It also makes sure we have the relevant information on hand when the moment comes.
OK most online activity is restricted to giving a credit card number and some basic personal info, but increasingly we are being asked for much more.
So I'd like to put out a call to web designers.
GIVE US A CHANCE TO PREVIEW!!!!!
It makes such a difference, and it's just common sense.
Hats off to HMRC which lets you see various forms such as (self-assessment tax) on a try before you buy basis. They have thought it through. I just wish thousands of other web sites would accept this as standard good practice.
According to my experience as a form designer, no matter how well you design the form, certain people are simply non-conformist...and hence you have to restrict certain compulsory fields. The truth of GIGO still stands...
Posted by: Flint Stone | January 27, 2009 at 06:49 AM
Yeah, right, that's like so random.
It does my head in man.
Posted by: Ron | March 13, 2009 at 04:33 PM