Chapter Summary
Effective form contingency design is a great way to boost conversion rates. Highlight required fields so that people know which ones are optional. Customers don't want to guess at acceptable entry types, so make sure you accept entries in all commonly used formats. Also, provide examples, pull-downs, and formatting hints to prevent data entry miscues. If there are limits on certain form fields, be upfront about them so that visitors don't wind up frustrated later on. Prevent bad data from entering the system by eliminating unacceptable options and validating entries on the spot. Eliminate button confusion by omitting Reset buttons and disabling Submit buttons after they're clicked. Finally, let people save lengthy forms so that they can complete them later.