Dan Hilton

1) Tell users what to expect

progress indicator

show there is help at hand and other routes to access help phone / chatlive /callback

2) Make users feel secure

verisign logos, padlocks!!!!

3) Keep it short and simple

remove cruft

chunk into logical steps

three columns one for lable, one for element and one for help.

4) Register right away? No way!

standard usernames = email addresses

keep rules for passwords standard

5) Succinct labels

* at the left.
6) Use correct field elements correctly
Free text fields should be indicatively sized so that users can judge their entries.
Person’s name
- Given name(s)
- Family Name

less than 5 options radio buttons more dropdown

7) Display a clear navigation hierarchy
Design buttons/calls to action in accordance with their ranking.

8) Show help in situ on the page
Assign the right of page for help.
Be consistent with placement of help icons.
Exteneded Alt text on mouse-over or ajax can offer help in situ.
Helpline number on each page

9) Helpful error messages
Auto-validation is good.
Italics bad.
Place the red and bold error message above the relevant page

10) Have a confirmation page

User will appreciate it.
There will be less mistakes actually submitted.
Useful for the user = peace of mind and printable record.
Useful for business = less support calls and more long-term customers.
VERY IMPORTANT to have a call to action on the top and bottom of the page.

Software: Tealeaf,

Julie Watts