Making the Web Work: Designing Effective Web Applications

Summary

In most applications, the number of form pages is dwarfed by the volume of view pages. A lower number, however, should not be assumed to mean less complexity or importance. Creating forms with integrity and elegance is one of the most difficult and important challenges of the interface design process. Well-designed forms are a critical component of an intelligent, enjoyable, and satisfying user experience. By contrast, poorly designed forms inevitably lead to user frustration, confusion, and disappointment.

If resources are limited and time is in short supply, forms are perhaps the single most important area in which to focus your efforts. Here are a few of the key design principles to keep in mind:

• Pick an appropriate pace. Do not ...