The Evolution of Forms: Modern Forms

We are in a very interesting place historically in relation to forms. It is hard to see it when we are living in it but we are right at the cusp between the Bound Era and the Revival Era. Our forms are no longer able to keep up with the pace of modern technologies. Modern forms remind of my children’s block towers which they have randomly stacked blocks here or there with no consideration for the integrity of the structure. There is only so many half hazard additions that can be added before the whole thing comes crumbling down. This is where we are with forms today.

There are great technological advancements which can bring great benefits to our forms, like big data with personalization, and AI for form creation but because we have just continually been adding pieces of technology to our forms without really considering best practices or future proofing we are hitting that breaking point in the structural integrity of our forms.

Many organizations have noticed this and are in the process of modernizing their forms but this is a big change. To be able to truly be able to modernize our forms we need to fundamentally change what a form is in our minds.

Previously I asked what is a form and assumed you thought of an 8 by 11 layout maybe even a printed form. This is what needs to change in the industry for forms to truly be able to move into the next era. Think cassettes to mp3 for music; forms need to have a rebirth as well.

With that said let’s take a closer look at the Bound and Revival eras to see where specifically you and your organizations forms are.