Form Design Like a form on paper that is used to fill out information with a pen or pencil, a Form in computer terminology identifies the data we want to collect. It also allows us to enter data into the database, display it for review and also print it for distribution. However, an electronic form has several important advantages over standard paper forms. These have the advantage of using a computer database and are more versatile and powerful than paper forms. Examples of forms are Business forms, Electronic spread sheet, ATM transaction layout, etc. Importance of Forms The following are various advantages of Forms: • A form provides an easy way to view data. • Using forms, data can be entered easily. This saves time and prevents typographical errors. • Forms present data in an attractive format with special fonts and other graphical effects such as color and shading. • Forms offer the most convenient layout for entering, changing and viewing records present in the database. • An entry field in a form can present a list of valid values from which users can pick to fill out the field easily. CRITERIA FOR FORM DESIGN Forms should be well conceived and attractive in design. We can achieve this goal if that satisfies the following criteria: We design a form to • Organization, • Consistency, • Completeness, • Flexible entry, and • Economy. • Organization The different parts of a form must be arranged in a proper order with visual separation between the parts. Balancing of different information on the form should be done according to the sequence of entry, frequency of use, function and significance of that particular data. The first data available, the most important data and the data that is going to be used most frequently should always be placed in the beginning of the form. If there are groups of data of the like information, they should be placed together just as will help the user to under • Consistency Forms designed should be internally consistent. They must also be consistent with organization. If the forms are consistent, then it will be easy for the users to learn how to fill them. Consistent forms reduce • Completeness The form should gather all the necessary data at the source . • Flexible Entry It should be possible to enter data by hand or with a typewriter. In most cases, both kinds of entries occur. • Economy The total cost of design, printing, data entry, etc., must be minimized. Most of the times, it is required to increase one cost to reduce another. Usually, handling costs are much more than the cost of designing and printing. Having spent more resources on design and printing often reduces the cost of data capture and keying.
Posted on: Mon, 01 Jul 2013 00:23:46 +0000
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