[IxDA Discuss] Entering State Abbreviations

[Jeff Howard]

When I worked through this problem a few years ago, I came to the same
conclusion that a text field was more efficient than a select menu.

But it's impossible to verify that the typed data is the _correct_
state abbreviation. It can be valid and still be wrong. People
sometimes type MI for Missouri for example. If they're typing their
own address, they're more likely to know the abbreviation so it's
less of a problem. Since you're not collecting zip codes, I'm
guessing it's not a mailing address though.

Have you considered allowing them to just type the state name? I've
experimented with providing a longer text field for the state and
people often type in the name instead of the abbreviation when given
the chance. Not as often for states like Mississippi or
Massachusetts, but if you live in Iowa or Utah or Texas it's only a
few more characters. Allowing for the full name also builds in
redundancy that allows the application to intepret the name even if
it's mistyped. State abbreviations follow some specific patterns so
it's fairly easy to match.

If you're going to stick to abbreviations, consider at least having
a lookup table for the older formats. Things like Fla. instead of FL
for Florida. Many people still use them.