When it comes to data entry, the two most common patterns used on websites and apps are forms and wizards. Forms are a direct descendant of paper forms with blank fields to fill in. Wizards are a guide to help the user: data entry is broken down into several steps, each of which depends on the information entered in the previous step. Typically, the process of filling out such a form is broken down into several pages and is often (but not necessarily) displayed in modal windows. One page usually corresponds to one step in this multi-step process.
Once the user has entered the data, the system calculates the appropriate paths for him and directs him further.
Example from TurbotaxExample from Turbotax: The form on the netherlands phone number data left is essentially a carbon copy of a paper tax return, while the Wizard on the right allows the user to fill out all the fields step by step.
Dynamic Form or Wizard?
With the spread of AJAX technology, the lines between dynamic forms and Wizards are becoming increasingly blurred. For example, Fidelity asks visitors if they are a customer of the company and, depending on their answer, displays either a login field or a name and email address on the same page. Is this a form or a Wizard? According to our definition, it is a Wizard.
Dynamic Form or Wizard?
Microsoft also changes the information displayed on the screen based on the user's input, but in this example the fields remain the same while built-in error messages or explanations appear as the user progresses through the process. Technically, this page is a form, not a Wizard, because the steps in the process do not change based on the user's input.