Re: More help needed

["David M. Brown" <dmbrown -at- brown-inc -dot- com>]

Sharon Deitch wrote:
> 
> When documenting data records, which of the following would you find
> preferable:
>
> +  Listing all the fields in a table, including whether the field is
> required and what to fill in the field (also what type of data can be input,
> where appropriate).
>
> +  Numbered steps that take the user through the data screen, including all
> of the above information.

From the user's point of view, it would be better to let the application:

 *  Indicate which fields are required (like many web forms).

 *  Label fields with useful information about data needed.

 *  Validate field input (whether immediately or on "submit")
    and provide truly helpful suggestions for invalid entries.

(I know, that isn't really what was asked.)

--David

=============================
 David M. Brown - Brown Inc.
    dmbrown -at- brown-inc -dot- com
=============================

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