The foundation for all successful forms and accessible documents is clearly organized content.
If the form is not written using technical writing best practices, “the wheels fall off” in terms of user experience, process efficiency, and accessibility. Multiple rounds of back-and-forth are needed to ensure the form meets users’ needs. Spending time in the Content Development phase will ensure the Design and Programming phases go smoothly.
The process can be divided into three roles if necessary: Content Editor, Designer, and Programmer. 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.
However, if the Designer has a background in technical communication, it is strongly recommended that they fulfill all three roles as it is much simpler and more efficient that way.
- The Content Editor works with the user to ensure the text creates an easy and efficient user experience that works with Adobe Acrobat and Adobe Sign. (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 for technical documents.
- The Content Editor uses tracked changes in Word to collaborate on edits with the client requesting the work.
- 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.)