Cancel Membership
This is filler text that I would have to now put on this page in order to hit a character limit that is required by google to index a page. Google doesn't like pages without content on them because they are generally seen as unhelpful. Words are helpful, including if they are on a form. However, when we have just a button that we need to put on the page, then we have to create words like I'm doing now in order to make sure that google will serve this page in search.
Which is another point - Most of our forms live on their own pages because that is the easiest way to direct users to the direct resource they are looking for. If someone wants to cancel their membership, you want to send them they exact thing they need to fill out, not a page in which you have to describe to them where the button is on a page.
I chose this form specifically as a great use case example. Both students and the general public (anyone with a campus rec membership) would need to be able to access this form
After I click the button...
- I get a different experience if I'm logged in already or not. When I'm logged in, I'm not taken to the form, I'm taken to the etrieve home landing page. Not logged in (private browser) I get the form page.
- There is no submit button?
- If I'm already logged in, I'm shown a lot of things I don't need to see other than the form.
User Impact Summary
- Seamless User Journey: Embedded forms keep users on the same page, reducing confusion and maintaining engagement. Form portals disrupt the user journey by redirecting users, causing potential frustration.
- Reduced Cognitive Load: Embedded forms allow users to complete tasks without switching contexts, making the process intuitive. Form portals require users to adjust to a new interface, increasing cognitive load.
- Improved Accessibility: Embedded forms ensure consistent accessibility features, providing an inclusive experience. Form portals may not be fully optimized for accessibility, creating potential barriers.
- Enhanced Trust and Security Perception: Embedded forms are trusted by users as part of a familiar website, enhancing security perception. Form portals can raise data security concerns due to the external redirect.
- Streamlined Aesthetics and Branding: Embedded forms seamlessly integrate with the website's design and branding. Form portals often have a generic appearance, resulting in a disjointed experience.
- Higher Conversion Rates: Embedded forms reduce friction, leading to higher completion rates. Form portals' additional steps can lead to drop-offs.
- Content Requirement for SEO: Embedded forms can include relevant content directly on the page, meeting search engine indexing requirements. Form portals may require filler text to meet content requirements, impacting SEO rankings.
- Direct Resource Access: Embedded forms provide direct access to resources, improving user satisfaction and search visibility. Form portals may require additional instructions, complicating the user experience.
- User Journey Tracking: Embedded forms simplify tracking user interactions and journey on a single page. Form portals complicate tracking, as seen with issues in the Catalyst application for admission.