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Problem
Method
Example 1
Example 2
Example 3
Results

Example 2 : Registration Form

Before    After    Side by Side       

registration form before

Comment 1
Presentation code is vital for sorting the incoming forms, but is hard to read quickly.

Amendment 1
Presentation code is larger, clearer, distracting text and border are removed.

registration form after

Comment 2
Personal identifier is vital for dealing with forms, but is hard to read.

Amendment 2
Personal identifier is much easier to read.

Comment 3
Nothing to show that the reservation expiry date is important.

Amendment 3
Date is explained in student language.

Comment 4
Box with no description is confusing.

Amendment 4
Boxes all identified.

Comment 5
The term 'award' is used in one place to mean financial assistance and in another to mean academic qualification.

Amendment 5
'Award' is explained and used only to refer to financial assistance.

Comment 6
Section on awards confuses the task of dealing with payment.

Amendment 6
Academic award section is separated from payment, and now uses the term 'qualification'.

Comment 7
Three blank columns are confusing.

Amendment 7
Unused columns are 'greyed' out.

Comment 8
Blue background makes text difficult to read and costs more to print.

Amendment 8
Blue highlight now separates areas of the form simply and effectively.

Comment 9
Nothing to link sections of the form to the appropriate notes in the booklet.

Amendment 9
Sections and boxes are identified, and cross-referenced to the notes.

Comment 10
Term 'offer' is introduced for the first time just before the signature.

Amendment 10
Terminology for registration is consistent from the start of the form.

Comment 11
Nothing to tell you there are more questions on the back of the form.

Amendment 11
Student is warned that there is more to read on the form.

Further Information

Effortmark Limited is a usability consultancy based in the United Kingdom. Contact us.
caroline dot jarrett at effortmark dot co dot uk


© Effortmark Limited, all rights reserved. Last updated: 29 March 2004