Data Entry is an important interactive way to retrieve information of objects since users will frequently add, change or delete information. Diverse ways for text input entry and selection entry help users finish interactions more clearly and efficiently. Designers should pay attention to things as follows:
- Straightforward text should be provided as "Label" for novice users and users that access occasionally, while terminology should be provided as "Label" for domain experts. When sensitive information should be provided by users, hints can be used to specify why the system need to do so. For example, when it's necessary to retrieve a user's identity (ID) or phone number.
- Allow users to get information via context to help completing their input. It avoids users to have wild guesses from the empty input through approaches like "good default values", "structured formats", "hints", "input tips" etc.
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## Text Input Entry
Input is the basic and common way for data entry, which provides a text editable component for users.
Hints is usually added in Input to help remind users, which can increase efficiency for the data entry.
> Note: Input usually works together with label which is to the left of input by default, while it can be on top as well when the text is too long or in English context. However, it should be consistent within the same system.
<imgclass="preview-img no-padding"src="https://gw.alipayobjects.com/zos/rmsportal/xcDCXmgTCeXWelIovxvh.png"description="You can use an 'information' icon or a tip tool when the text is long">
<imgclass="preview-img no-padding"src="https://gw.alipayobjects.com/zos/rmsportal/AUTvHOWDsCTgSojYrQms.png"description="You can put the short input tip below the input (as shorter than a sentence).">
Radio button allows a user to select only one value from several options. Radio options should not be too many because all the options are default visible to a user so that the user can make the selection via comparison.
> Note: Radio Button must be more than two options, and normally less than five.
<imgclass="preview-img no-padding bad"src="https://gw.alipayobjects.com/zos/rmsportal/gLJCJDtOquBTRdBSoGYe.png"alt="Incorrect Sample"description="'Switch' doesn't need to work with buttons because the toggle will take effect immediately.">
Slider allows to select a suitable value by moving the anchor in a continuous or discontinuous range. It's a better choice for reflecting options of intensities or grades, e.g. volume, brightness, color saturation etc.
> Note: Operations can be more flexible and convenient using "Slider" when precise value is not required. "NumberInput" can be worked together with Slider for precise values.
Normally used to upload images. Users can upload images and display thumbnails in the list. The upload button will disappear when the number of images is up to a threshold.
> Note: Specific file size and format is required for file upload, e.g.: Please select text files (support PDF, ZIP, EXL) with size no more than 5M. Progress of uploading should be displayed.
