[IxDA Discuss] Form Validation

[Bryan Minihan]

The design pattern discussion from awhile back should have some links
describing error-handling:
http://ixda.org/discuss.php?post=15919&search=design+patterns

Also, the book list
(http://www.ixda.org/discuss.php?post=20687&search=books) is another good
source for tips (check W Evans post for some highly relevant books).

Ideally, the best placement for an error message (only if you can't design
to prevent errors in the first place) is where the user looks for it, and
where it won't prevent them finishing the form.

It's up to your users what the best message text is, but if you're using
fairly standard fields (name, address, password, favorite cat, etc), it
would help to emulate sites that your users are familiar with (if any and if
known).  

If your form acts just like every other signup form on the web, make it read
like every other signup form on the web.  If it's completely specific to
your users and their knowledge, ask them what the messages should say.
There's no "best answer" without knowing what and for whom you're building.

Bryan
http://www.bryanminihan.com

-----Original Message-----
From: discuss-bounces at lists.interactiondesigners.com
[mailto:discuss-bounces at lists.interactiondesigners.com] On Behalf Of Maxim
Soloviev
Sent: Wednesday, January 02, 2008 6:26 PM
To: discuss at ixda.org
Subject: [IxDA Discuss] Form Validation

Hi,

I'm looking for any advices/articles on form validation.
I tried to search on gamma.ixda.org, but found nothing there.

1. What is the preferable placement for error message for particular
control?
2. Any guidelines on error message text. Like what is better -- "This
field is required" or "Please enter your email"?

Any additional information on subject is highly apreciated.

Thank you.
-- 
Maxim Soloviev
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