h2

Sign In/New Account at a glance

Site Genre: Pattern Group h

magnify imageFigureH2.1 MSN Hotmail has an easy sign-in if customers already have an account or if visitors need to create a new account on the spot.

Background

To provide PERSONALIZED CONTENT (D4), PERSONALIZED RECOMMENDATIONS (G3), and other individualized services, Web sites need a way for both returning customers and new customers to identify themselves. This pattern covers the sign-in and new account processes, describing how to structure the design of these pages, as well as common mistakes to avoid.

Close

PROBLEM

A single process has to handle both returning customers, who sign in and identify themselves to get personalized content, and new customers, who need to create an account before going further on the site.

buy the book to find out more

SOLUTION

magnify image FigureH2.5 In general, signing in to a Web site should proceed as follows: Visitors come to an entry point (a) that requires them to sign in (b). Customers who already have an account and remember the password can sign in and continue (f). Visitors who want to create an account do so (e) and then continue (f). Returning customers who enter the wrong account information or password are blocked from continuing (c). A returning customer can ask to receive help remembering the password or to have the password reset (d). After the password has been recalled or reset, the customer can continue (f).

Collect the minimum amount of information you need to create new accounts. Make it clear which fields are required and which are optional. Prevent errors where possible. Provide your Web site’s privacy information. Have a process for handling forgotten passwords. Don’t force first-time customers to sign in too early.

Other Patterns to Consider

The sign-in/new account pattern is actually a version of PROCESS FUNNEL (H1), which covers techniques to help customers complete highly specific tasks. Design your sign-in/new account process to PREVENT ERRORS (K12) and to provide MEANINGFUL ERROR MESSAGES (K13) whenever errors do occur. Also, structure the process to help PREVENT PHISHING SCAMS (E9). One way to do this is to remind your customers of potential dangers and to teach them how to identify such scams. Another approach is to avoid sign-in forms and OBVIOUS LINKS (K10) to your sign-in pages in the body of E-MAIL SUBSCRIPTIONS (E2) and E-MAIL NOTIFICATIONS (E7). Make your PRIVACY POLICY (E4), which explains your FAIR INFORMATION PRACTICES (E3), prominent when visitors sign in, or when they’re creating a new account. Use a SECURE CONNECTION (E6) if sensitive personal information is involved. Content that requires people to sign in cannot be indexed by search engines. See WRITING FOR SEARCH ENGINES (D6) for more information.

Close

 

Pattern Resources

PATTERN COMMENTS

POST A COMMENT and/or EXAMPLE WEBSITE

You must be logged in to post a comment.