<snip> As usual the decision to do this would need to be case by case. For example if there are many fields that need this behavior it may not be suitable, or if the need for whole fieldsets are determined by user input this probably wouldn't be optimal (may want to go with a more wizard-esque approach there). But for simple, smaller forms where only one or two fields might be able to use this, what do you guys think? Display the additional fields from the get-go, or only show them when necessary?
-adam </snip> Of the only true answer is "it depends". But here are some guidelines I follow when faced with the same decision: 1. If it's only one field, and the dependency is direct, show but disable the dependent field. A good example of this is "Other" with an accompanying text box in a radio button group. 2. For e-commerce payment methods, hide and do not save values. If a person selects "Credit Card", display the text boxes for card number, name, etc. You can show them by default in most cases, as CC is still the most common form of online payment, or you can hide all fields until an explicit selection is made (especially if you are trying to push a particular payment method, like PayPal). If the customer then switches from CC to some other payment method, like PayPal, hide the CC fields and discard their values. 3. For long enrollment-type forms, start with a static, single-page form and analyze the branches, skips, and recursions. This will give you insight on how to structure your form; then you can decide whether to use pagination or progressive disclosure as your presentation medium. I remember that someone posted a link to a very jumpy insurance form that used too much PD; the targets kept darting away from the mouse, it was like a game of whack-a-mole. Don't do that. HTH, Dante Dante Murphy | Director of Information Architecture | D I G I T A S H E A L T H 229 South 18th Street | Rittenhouse Square | Philadelphia, PA 19103 | USA Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] www.digitashealth.com ________________________________________________________________ Welcome to the Interaction Design Association (IxDA)! To post to this list ....... [EMAIL PROTECTED] Unsubscribe ................ http://www.ixda.org/unsubscribe List Guidelines ............ http://www.ixda.org/guidelines List Help .................. http://www.ixda.org/help
