Capturing information
testing ease of use
Email capture...
The snapshot on the right shows an invalid (mistakenly entered) email address being rejected. This is exactly what I intended. As well as making the site easier to use by not misleading the potienial subscriber into thinking their email address has been submitted when it has actually been rejected, it injects some XHTML (which is actually a unordered list) that quotes the invalid array and indicates it's invalidity. The user is now required to input their correct email address. When this is completed the following thank you message is displayed in place of the form, shown below:
This method of validation is preferred over the more common validation that was in place on the original contact form before it was updated. The more common validation is client side and uses JavaScript. This JavaScript opens another window which can be disturbing to some users and especially those using screen readers. This server side method of validation is unobtrusive to the casual user because the outcome of the validation event is contained within the XHTML document.
As shown to the right, when an email address is submitted immeadiately an email is sent to the submitter (as well PSD) acknowledging the entry detailing exactly what information has been submitted to the PSD web site by them. As you can see, the web site has along with the email address taken note of the IP address of the data submitter. This is for a security reason. If a mischievous spammer gets through our built in protection the web manager will then be able to ban his IP address from using the site in the future.
The simplicity of this feature makes it incredibily easy to use by anyone, just type, click enter - and be added to the newsletter receiver list.
Contact us query form...
Below is an example of the contact form not being completed properly.
As you can see the required field "Company name" is missing and the telephone number is invalid. Because it pretty difficult to determine whether or not a telephone is valid or not I just chose to make sure that at least 7 characters are entered. This form because of the clear labeling is very easy to use. It also has a useful little button that clears the form if the user wants to start all over again.
Like the email capture, this feature also sends an email detailing all the the enquirer has entered to PSD and the email address submitted. To stay on the right side of the law PSD has to let visitors know what personal information is being stored about them.
When the form is correctly submitted a message appears in place of the form, saying:
"Thank you, your message has been sent."
As the web manager, I can store securely on the web server all the data captured. It would not be appropriate for the web manager to download the data onto a local machine. This is not required either. Due to the fact that using the web server's IMAP email client “my.webmail” I am able to directly access the psd@remza.co.uk account, add all newly captured email address to the Address Book and send all listed a targeted mailshot. Queries will be answered quickly and easily too. Below is a snapshot of the “my.webmail” IMAP client.
To see for yourself how easy the two information capturing methods are to use click on either the two links below:
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