f4

Quick Address Selection at a glance

Site Genre: Pattern Group f

magnify imageFigure F4.1 Half.com employs an address book and provides a simple, clean, single-column form for entering a new address.

Background

For QUICK-FLOW CHECKOUT (F1) on a PERSONAL E-COMMERCE (A1) site, each step must be simple and clearly defined. In the SHOPPING CART (F3) pattern, items are collected and summarized. This pattern provides the mechanism for choosing and entering addresses for shipping and billing.

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PROBLEM

Entering addresses need not be cumbersome, especially if customers are ordering from a site for a second time.

buy the book to find out more

SOLUTION

magnify image Figure F4.5 Customers should be able to use addresses that they’ve entered before, and add new addresses easily.

At the top of the page, provide a link to the area where a new address can be entered. Place all previously stored addresses next, with a Use This Address action button next to each one. Create a form for new addresses that is quick and easy to read: with labels right-aligned and input fields left-aligned along the same vertical grid line, and using a minimum of fields, minimal instructions, and a Use This Address action button.

Other Patterns to Consider

Answer potential questions about your site security by linking directly to your PRIVACY POLICY (E4). Help customers specify an address by having a CLEAR FORM (H10) that helps PREVENT ERRORS (K12) and provides MEANINGFUL ERROR MESSAGES (K13) when errors do occur. Use ACTION BUTTONS (K4) to lead customers to the next step in the checkout process. Organize the text fields in a GRID LAYOUT (I1). If the customer wants to ship to MULTIPLE DESTINATIONS (G5), provide a way to enter multiple addresses. Provide links to your return policy to enable EASY RETURNS (F9) and to assure customers that they can change their minds if they’re not satisfied.

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