Variable Email Form with Mailto

Aug 102010
 

I just finished a quick project where the client wanted a HTML form that he could host locally on his PC. The form was to be filled out often, and upon submitting, the contents are  emailed to the desired representative in the field. Sound easy? Leaving a blank mailto won’t work.

To create a form like this start out by building your regular web page, and whatever form fields that you desire. To get the mailto action to work for various emails there is only one trick, and all it requires is some javascript. Continue reading »

Captcha Form Id

Sep 212009
 

If you insist on using Captchas (I guess there are a few good reasons), please consider the form field ID that you use. With today’s modern browsers automated drop down windows with previously used field items are a common occurrence. They are there to make your job easier, less typing, quicker to fill out forms, and great for repeat form filling.

When filling out a form where you need to see the near by content below or above the field, similar to the way many Captcha forms are set up, those instant drop down windows suddenly become a major pain. Who’s fault is that? Continue reading »

New Poll – Form Lengths

Feb 042009
 

I recently had a client that thought his forms were fine they way they were. I thought usability wise they were way to long, and said this could play a huge roll in the number of new members he was getting. So I thought, here is a great poll opportunity.

Here is the poll: Has the length of an online form ever influence your decision in completing it?

Archive of Previous Polls

Big and Clean

Jan 312009
 

Here is a site from a recent client that uses the big, bold, and beautiful technique to building a website, Used Cars in Lakeland Florida. With exception to the sites logo, the site is absolutely perfect, user experience wise. Big text, wide template, clear division of content. Even the form for searching for a car is extremely easy to use.

The Search Form

cars

Search forms are a big deal, and when a user needs to add some specifics, forms can get messy. Part of having a successful form is making it quick and easy to use. Even if you do nothing but hit “find my car”, it produces results. Enter a minimum, a maximum, or both will produce results. Not all parts need to be filled out, and it is very intuitive.

The Clarity

The reason this site is so easy to read and figure out it because of it’s clarity. They use huge text, bigger margins, and made the site as if you were going to use it on a touch screen. No squinting, or pushing your head closer to the screen here. Each section is well defined by a title or heading.

The Results

cars2 150x150The results are what really make this site a hit in my mind. Hopefully this car won’t sell to quickly so you can see the link of an example, but you can always go to the home page, and try your own vehicle search. Try looking at this used car. You can also just open the thumbnail on the right to see the screenshot I took of it. Clear title, clear contact information, and easy to find details. Besides having the contact details in the top right their are also complimented by a contact form on the bottom.

Overall, I would say this site is great! They just need to do something with that logo. Maybe they can check out my recent logo basics post:)

New Poll – Order Forms

Jan 142009
 

Here is the poll: Have you ever tried making an order online, but found the form didn’t work?

Archive of Previous Polls

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