Overview
The foundation for all successful forms is clearly organized content. If the form is poorly written, “the wheels fall off” in terms of user experience, efficiency, and accessibility.
Spending time in the Content Development phase ensures the Design and Programming phases go smoothly.
The process can be divided into three roles if necessary, or one person may “switch hats” to complete all phases of the process:
- Content Editor – writes and edits the content to create a smooth user experience
- Designer – designs the form layout in InDesign
- Programmer – programs the field functionality in InDesign
Content Development
- The Content Editor uses tracked changes in Word to collaborate on edits with the client requesting the work.
- The Content Editor works with the client to ensure the text creates an easy and efficient user experience . (For example, eliminating phrases that don’t make sense with the software, eliminating wordiness and confusing language, ensuring the fields to be used make sense for the text, et cetera.)
- The Content Editor structures the text for the form using headings and best practices.
- The Content Editor makes note of any particulars such as required fields, form field functionality to provide to the Designer. (For example, Adobe Sign signer info fields, calendar date fields, default values, “locking” fields after signature, et cetera.)
All will need to work closely together and must have knowledge of Adobe Acrobat to ensure the form is written and designed to work properly in Acrobat.