Form Design (Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE ICT)
Revision Note
Written by: James Woodhouse
Reviewed by: Lucy Kirkham
Form design
What is a database form?
Forms of a tool used to capture data to be stored in a database
Examples of forms include:
Online form to sign up to a website
Filling in personal details on a mobile device to join a gym
Database forms follow set design principles to ensure they include particular features
Characteristics of good form design
Simplicity - The design should be clean and straightforward, not cluttered
Ease of use - Users should be able to understand how to fill out the form quickly
Intuitive layout - Related fields should be grouped together, and the sequence of fields should follow a logical order
Clear labels - Each field should have a clear, concise label indicating what information is expected
Appropriate controls - Use controls such as:
radio buttons
checkboxes
drop-down menus
Submit button
Save button
Next/previous records
Creating a Data Entry Form
You need to specify the fields required for data input
Choose the appropriate font styles and sizes. Aim for consistency and readability
Keep adequate spacing between fields for clarity and ease of use
Fine-Tuning Form Design
Appropriate Spacing
The spacing between individual characters in fields should be adjusted for readability
The use of white space is crucial - it improves readability and reduces cognitive load
Control Elements
Radio Buttons - Used when there is a list of two or more options that are mutually exclusive
Check Boxes - Used when the user can select multiple options from a list
Drop Down Menus - Used when you want to provide many options but conserve space
Examiner Tips and Tricks
Always focus on simplicity and user-friendliness in form design
Make sure your form uses clear labels, logical field grouping, and intuitive sequence
Worked Example
A school is setting up a new computerised system to manage many aspects of the school administration. The data from the registration system is saved in the school administration database. The headteacher will need to check the attendance records for any student for any semester. She will type in the Student_ID and the Semester (Autumn, Spring or Summer). After she has done this the following data will appear on the same screen.
Field name |
|---|
Student_name |
Days_present |
Number_of_lates |
Number_absences |
Parents_phone_number |
Tutor_group |
Design a suitable screen layout to display one record. It must have appropriate spacing for each field, navigation aids and a space to type in search data.
Do not include examples of student data. [6]
Answer
Include 4 of:
Appropriate spacing for each field [1]
Forward/backward buttons [1]
Submit/search button [1]
Information attempts to fill the page AND the design looks appropriate to scenario [1]
Box/boxes to enter Semester or Student_ID [1]
Drop down for the Semester or Student_ID // radio button for semester [1]
Suitable title [1]
Instructions/help [1]
2 marks for all six fields
1 mark for three to five fields
0 marks for less than three fields
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