Free text fields in every place a user is intended to make a selection from a desired set of choices. Instead
- User A keys in the choice
- User B enters the same choice but keys using capital letters as his/her personal preference
- User C enters the same choice but spells the choice using abbreviations
- User D misunderstands the expected answers and types an unrelated response
- User E is actually not a user but a batch process feeding unauthorized users inputs into a database where the application data is expected to be controlled by the process and without the process owners knowledge (a segregation of duties violation and failure to execute an effective design control.)
In each case, we can significantly increase productivity by supplying a list of choices with the best choice showing up first.
The second best response we want users to choose any alternatives to the best option shown first adding a user intended action to choose an alternative within a certain degree of variance. Expected minimum and maximum variance choices.
Finally, an exception path which allows free text. A user must ignore the best choice and select an option which takes them to an exception path.