Guidelines for Wizard Development

Because the applications of Wizards vary so widely, it's impossible to create absolute rules. The following guidelines should be observed, unless you have a compelling reason to do something different:

• Model your Wizard after one that ships with Microsoft Excel.
• Step 1 describes the results of using the Wizard.
• Step 1 generally has limited choices and controls.
• All pages are generally the same size.
• Enable and disable the appropriate navigational buttons.
• The title should include "Step X of Y" to provide a sense of location.
• All title text should be implemented with constants.
• Gather as much input as possible, and then batch process the results after the user has pressed the Finish button.
• Input should be validated as a user leaves a page.
• The Next button shouldn't be enabled if essential input is not provided.
• Minimize processing between pages.
• If possible, provide default values for all inputs and enable the Finish button as soon as is practical.
• Initialize as many pages and controls as possible before the Wizard displays.
• Provide a browse button if file-name information is required.
• Use drop-down and/or list controls instead of radio buttons.
• Provide extensive instructions and/or use graphics to explain concepts.