Research goals for evolving the 'form' user interface metaphor towards more interactivity

Abstract

Forms have been static, document-like user interfaces (UIs) for centuries. This work proposes to evolve the 'form' UI metaphor towards more interactivity. Related work has proposed interactive form elements such as autocompleting or otherwise assistive input fields. But a unified concept and scientific reflection on the topic are missing. Methodologically, this work first provides a deeper understanding of forms as UI metaphor. It then presents relevant research goals for improved usability, including collaborative form filling, easier navigation in long forms, and combined input fields for comfortable data entry. Taken together, the contributions of this work are to provide a deeper understanding of forms, systematically highlight relevant research topics, and hopefully foster a scientific discussion in form design. © 2013 Springer-Verlag.