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Employing some good habits...


Setting default values can greatly enhance the speed with which a user can enter data - AND help prevent typing mistakes which in turn means that you will have much "cleaner" data. What does this mean? Take the phrase "I have an IBM PC". How many different ways could this be typed?

1). I have an IBM PC

2). I have an IBM pc

3). I have an ibm PC

4). I have an Ibm Pc

I think you get the idea... Whilst each of the above entries is "correct", it is the 1st one that we really want - and that is without introducing typing mistakes!

Other values such as "today's date" can also be set to a default value even though "today's date" will change every day (use the DATE() or NOW() functions). Default values help speed data entry and cut down on typing mistakes.

Consistency

For those of you reading this who use a system on a regular basis can confirm, the fact that things appear in a consistent place makes looking for information much simper.

Take command buttons (things like record navigation for example), if these are placed in the same position on each screen, it makes the system much easier to use. You know EXACTLY where to go. Unless there is a very good reason not to do so...

· Place command (navigation, record creation/deletion, form exit) buttons in the same place on each form. Use the form header or form footer areas as button areas.

· Use the same text or graphic for the same operation throughout your system. If an "Open Door" on a button means exit on one screen, it should mean the same on all screens. Otherwise you will confuse users as they will soon get used to the "Open Door" to mean exit.

· Use the same font throughout - again unless there is a valid reason not to. It might be fun to use loads of different fonts but it's not fun for those trying to read them!

· Make sure the tabbing order (the way the cursor moves from one field to the next) is consistent. Some people like to go from top left to bottom right whilst others go down the left side then down the right. Whichever way you choose, make sure you stick to it.

Which leads me nicely onto...

Tabbing Order

The tabbing order is the route the cursor takes when one field is completed and you move on to the next. It

The copyright of the article Employing some good habits... in PC Support is owned by Chris Cruickshank. Permission to republish Employing some good habits... in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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