Forms 2.0 - Better forms without code

Forms 2.0 - Better forms without code

[Please add your comments below to help build a strong case]

Since the FORMS 2.0 idea from Glen Lipka has long been lost, it's time to bring it back and get it on the agenda.  It only been raised as an issue for 3 years and more than 2 versions of this community.  Even one of recent ideas from the community for the Amazing Race Idea was for form improvements: Form Widgets!.

Basically Forms need to be come way easier without manipulation through code.  There are a lot of small improvements that could be made to the form functionality that would be a great benefit to clients without access to a web developer skill set.  

At one time or another, I have had marketers request most of the following list of form improvements:

  • support for HTML5 form elements
  • allow pre-population on a field by field basis as a form designer attribute
  • allow text fields to optionally concatenate the new value with the existing data
  • field masking for phone, sin number etc.
  • add real-time (onblur) validation, validation test conditions and  contextual error msgs
    • email regex,
    • min and max for numbers etc. 
    • phone with or without extention
    • domain name for spam exclusion - i.e. mickmouse@example.com a@a.com
    • alpha-only for names/text fields
    • Automatic formating for proper case including whitespace trimming
  • better positioning of the field label and error msg
  • more form layouts in terms of 2-3 columns layouts as well as fields that can span the columns
  • more control over the submit button:
    • its style/image
    • dynamic button text both before and after click text to make the form reusable on more that one landing page within the landing page editor
    • enable/disable submit based upon required fields/validation
  • provide more advanced type of controls:
    • date pickers,
    • sliders (range),
    • dropdowns (combobox) with icons, option groups etc.
    • better support for checkboxes/radio with multi-select 
  • dependant selections or skip logic i.e. country/state and surveys
  • geo-ip support for country/state
  • automatic detection and support for iframes to get parent parameters, adjust the form's target = _top etc.
  • better (dynamic) follow up options - new windows, dynamic redirect based upon other form fields, parameters or cookies
  • Allow fields from SFDC objects other than contact and lead

Forms have been one of the least attended to areas of Marketo; it has literally been years since any significant improvements have been made while the competition has not been standing still waiting.

Below is a small list for just from this version of community:
127 Comments
Amy_Lepre
Level 7
I'm excited!!!
Anonymous
Not applicable
YIPPIE!!!! I can't wait for this release!
Edward_Masson
Level 10
Love it!
Status changed to DONE!
Anonymous
Not applicable
Can't come soon enough!
Anonymous
Not applicable
T minus 27 hours and counting....
 
Can't wait for the full release of FORMS 2.0.  The five (5) years of advocating, cajoling, pestering and flat out make an absolute pain of myself to the product management team is finally coming to an end.  
 
Many thanks to all who have been a part of this idea but this couldn't have made it without recognizing the efforts of two stellar individuals: Cheryl and Glen.
 
And I must say with this release Marketo, takes back the lead in this feature category.  
 
Cheers,
Eric
Edward_Masson
Level 10
Well said Eric!
Lets hear it for Cheryl and Glen, hip hip....
Anonymous
Not applicable
Are they releasing Forms 2.0 at a certain time today? Can't wait for these new forms!
Anonymous
Not applicable
The release will start to roll out at 6PM PST.  Exciting!
Anonymous
Not applicable
The release will start to roll out at 6PM PST.  Exciting!
Anonymous
Not applicable
I stayed late at the office (on a Friday nonetheless) just so I could play with the new forms and I am loving them, this is great!

Good form (forgive the obvious pun) Cheryl, product management and all involved in getting this rolled out.

What's next?