> One was the
> entry person using the mouse to ENTER the screen
I would expect any well-designed data entry screen to place the cursor in
the first field on the screen. A well-designed GUI should provide unique but
intuitive accelerator keys that allow one to 'jump' to a field of choice.
For instance, normally, it is enough that someone provide their ZIP code,
from which their city and state is derived. Remarkably, not everyone knows
what their ZIP code is. Some people do not even know the name of the city in
which they actually live, although one hopes for minimal intersection
between those two groups among one's customers. For the former group, one
must take their stated city and state, rather than start with their ZIP
code. The ability to navigate quickly from the keyboard is vital.

> these folks however,
> had issues with the drop-down menus for State, Dates, Company Codes fields
> in the new screens.
It should still be possible to type a state abbreviation or a standard date
into the text field. MS Money allows this, while providing the calendar
control for those who will not type. I find that I can just enter the day of
month, and Money assumes I mean that day of the current month and year.
Clever, that. Likewise, it should be possible to type a two-letter state
abbreviation, and a bare drop-down list should bring one to the correct
choice, at which point, the system should either except the match and place
the cursor in the next field, or at least allow the user to tab over to the
next field.

Designing a good interface is not a trivial effort. This experience brings
into question how well designed the interface was, and whether the design
team included a user feedback loop in their design process. It also exposes
the collective knowledge that users accumulate on how to use a product,
which knowledge increases productivity, and therefore has a value on which
their employers should place a price. It is both an investment that the
company has made, and an asset which is at risk when moving to a new
interface. Companies want to hire people with experience, but do not
recognize that when an experienced employee leaves or is let go, they take
with them that experience which is as real an asset as any piece of office
equipment that we do not let go out the door.

Greg Stigers, MCSA
this space for rent

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