Websites have long served as a exemplary channel for attracting, collecting and even processing information from prospects, customers, partners, and others critical groups.
The simplest info to collect is an email address for a mailing list. This may be all the information that is required for action to be taken to guide the submitter through a sales funnel or toward some measure of loyalty.
Studies show that fewer fields in a form attract greater use. Web forms can quickly feel intimidating the more data fields are added. This is why CTAA encourages simple forms when a great volume of separate entries is desired.
On the flip side, more complicated forms can help qualify entries when quality is desired over quantity. Lesser individuals will be discouraged from completing the form and thereby will self-qualify, making screening easier.
Other types of data collection include the following.
- contact forms
- reviews
- comments
- applications
- scheduling requests
- information requests
- voting
While forms typically require that the use click or tap a button to submit the form, more and more forms are collecting data entered upon other actions, such as a key being released or a field being exited.
Similarly, forms used to require a page refresh to be submitted. Oftentimes forms now can be submitted without requiring the user to wait for the browser to recreate the page. This creates less disruption.
Note: web forms are one the worst culprits for not being accessible. Everybody, regardless of disability, deserves an equal experience on any web page.
Bottom line, effective form creation calls upon the science of User Interface Design (UXD) to create the best and most productive experience for users.
