Using Input boxes to populate a Form?

[easyrider]

Greetings everyone! So, I have a question that's related to design aesthetics. I'm rebuilding a DB (due to initial specs that were wrong) which has been in use for almost two years. Feedback from some of the end users indicate that they *think/feel* that some of my input forms are too....



.....complicated.

One form in particular has 22 required fields and when options are limited, they're controlled via comboboxes, otherwise they're entering data such as names & addresses. The tab order is set correctly and I've got OnExit code on each textbox (TB) to see if the field contains data. If the field is blank, the TB changes color to red, a msgbox pops up informing them of the error of their ways and sets focus back into the empty TB which returns to White after they start typing. I don't view this as a problem, however.

So, I was wondering if anyone's ever used a series to InputBoxes to prompt the user for data and then populate a form w/ the information?

Pros, Cons, thoughts? Any and all input is greatly appreciated, thanks guys!

-Bill

[CJ_London]

I wouldn’t use input boxes.

I would ask users what they mean by ‘complicated’ and get suggestions from them as to what would uncomplicate it

also take into account how users predominantly navigate the form - keyboard or mouse?

[Micron]

I don't view this as a problem, however.

I do - unless they are scanning data or being fed it in order AND none of it is ever missing. Last thing a user likes is having no flexibility in data entry. No, I take that back. Last thing a user wants is multiple prompts for user actions that don't conform. I'd allow data entry in any order (unless maybe a value needs to be calculated based on a prior value before you can move on) then validate everything in form Before Update event - and present one list of fields that don't pass. So an input box for every field would be a very hard pass.

[orange]

I agree with responses above. "22 required fields" seems a little off-putting to say the least--but we don't know anything about your application. Users can often highlight problem areas and suggest preferences/alternatives. May be time to prototype some alternatives involving users to get feedback and "get users involved in the solution".

[easyrider]

So here's a screenshot of the form's current iteration. I've consolidated the Owner's address & Owner's mailing address sections, thus reducing the number of required fields to 18. If the user selects Yes in the owner occupied combo (under the property address section), the owner's mailing address fields are populated from the property address fields. If they select No, then they have to enter the owner's mailing address. (I just noticed that I don't have a red asterisk on that combo).



CJ: I would imagine that users are primarily using the keyboard for input

Micron: Originally, I had a similar trap to check for empty/blank fields prior to writing the data to the table - part of the VBA behind the Add Property button. They didn't like it and asked me early on if I could change it. If they missed one or two, no big deal - apparently. But if they missed four or five, the complaint was that all of the red fields were "overwhelming." So, I came up with the OnExit check for each field. I was just wondering in my OP if a series of inputboxes could be used instead of using the OnExit events. In my mind, this would ensure that data is entered into the required fields as they move through the form.

Orange: good idea on getting them involved. I think I'll build the inputbox version and let them try it both ways.

[June7]

In my experience, your form is fairly simple.

The multiple similar name fields of AttributeX indicates a non-normalized structure. All 6 are required, never more nor less?

I agree, input boxes not the way to go for routine data entry. For one thing, responding to bunches of popups is just annoying. Another, harder to validate input via popup boxes. However, I have used. Example of more complicated one, which could possibly be better as a popup form with a listbox:

    strRDC = IIf(strMode = "Draft", "X", "?")
    While strRDC = "?"
        strRDC = UCase(InputBox("Enter item ID for report distribution:" & vbCrLf & vbCrLf & _
            "  1   - Highway Construction" & vbCrLf & vbCrLf & _
            "  2   - Preconstruction" & vbCrLf & vbCrLf & _
            "  3   - HAP/ACP Mix Designs" & vbCrLf & vbCrLf & _
            "  4   - Northern Region" & vbCrLf & vbCrLf & _
            "  5   - Southeast Region" & vbCrLf & vbCrLf & _
            "  6   - Accepted Products" & vbCrLf & vbCrLf & _
            "  7   - M&O Central Region" & vbCrLf & vbCrLf & _
            "  8   - Special" & vbCrLf & vbCrLf & _
            "  9   - Aviation Construction" & vbCrLf & vbCrLf & _
            "  10  - Concrete Mix" & vbCrLf & vbCrLf & _
            "  11  - AIA Field Maintenance" & vbCrLf & vbCrLf & _
            "  N   - Number File" & vbCrLf & vbCrLf & _
            "  X   - Copy not for distribution nor filing", "Distribution", "X"))
        If (Val(strRDC) > 0 And Val(strRDC) < 12) Or strRDC Like "[N,X]" Then
            'continue with report print
            If IsNumeric(strRDC) Then strRDC = "D" & strRDC
        ElseIf strRDC <> "" Then
            MsgBox "Not an appropriate entry.", vbApplicationModal, "Entry Error"
            strRDC = "?"
        Else
            GoTo Exit_proc
        End If
    Wend

[CJ_London]

I would imagine that users are primarily using the keyboard for input

don’t disagree but I was thinking of navigating from one control to another

[easyrider]

I wanted to post a quick update on this. Gave the users two different ways to fill out the form. The first by tabbing through the fields and the second using a series of input boxes to populate the fields. Out of 4 users, 2 liked the tabbing method and the other 2 liked the input boxes. Go figure. So, I let my wife break the tie and we're back to tabbing through the form. Thanks to everyone for their input!

[CarlettoFed]

But it is possible to have a copy of the database to see its structure because, from what you write, it seems that you have created an incorrect one.

[easyrider]

But it is possible to have a copy of the database to see its structure because, from what you write, it seems that you have created an incorrect one.

And how have you arrived at that conclusion?

[Welshgasman]

And how have you arrived at that conclusion?

Probably from the Attribute numbered controls?

[Micron]

the complaint was that all of the red fields were "overwhelming."

I didn't say to do anything to the fields, just present one list (message box), like

"Please enter data for:
- Parcel ID
- Last Name "

I don't see a problem with numbered controls like attribute 1 through 6 as long as they're not separate fields in a table. If they are, then I agree the db is not properly normalized.

Not knowing exactly what this db is for (or I looked but still missed the purpose) it is common to raise questions about user behaviours or design that seems strange. I for one imagine that one day there will be a property with only 2 attributes (whatever they are) and you have locked yourself into requiring six. Then what? As for users, all didn't like red fields glaring at them? Then present a list like I suggested. Or use a softer colour. Or if they are employees and not customers, tell them to get over it as it's what you want. As employees, they'd soon get over it.

[easyrider]

Probably from the Attribute numbered controls?

OK, everyone, I'm working on a database solution that will eventually be trademarked - maybe even patented. As such, I really didn't want to reveal what this db is really doing and so I named the fields w/ numbers just to demonstrate the data entry form. They are not actually named that in the table(s) and yes @Micron, all six are required now and will always be a requirement. This isn't my first rodeo guys - I do know how to achieve table normalization, but thanks for the concern anyway.

My initial post was about offering the user a different, perhaps more efficient way, to enter data onto a form, that's all.

Thanks again to everyone for their input!

[CarlettoFed]

• from the uselessness of the Middle Initial field
• by the lack of combobox controls for what should probably concern the City, Region, Postal Code fields
• by the presence of the Attribute 1, Attribute 2 etc... controls for both the Properties and Mail sections

[Welshgasman]

• from the uselessness of the Middle Initial field
• by the lack of combobox controls for what should probably concern the City, Region, Postal Code fields
• by the presence of the Attribute 1, Attribute 2 etc... controls for both the Properties and Mail sections

The O/P has now stated that most of he has shown us us pure BS, so we have no idea as to what he actually has.
Sort of asking us how to mount a horse when 'it is not his first rodeo'