I'm working on an implementation of a webpage that needs to feel like a flexible web app. There are multiple forms that the user can fill out.

For my purposes and users, here some assumptions (agreed on by stakeholders & SMEs, but may be overturned in user testing):

1. Users coming to this web app know what they want to do. They are coming to complete a specific task known in advance. That is the purpose of this page. Users don't come here to look around.
2. Because they know what they're doing, they know the required information to fill out the necessary forms.

I've been suggesting the use of lightboxed forms. I'm normally be against using modal windows, but I'm am also VERY opposed to just sending the user to new pages every time they attempt a simple update or add. And I don't think that accordions are the correct solution here (though they might be an alternative option).

In our context, the lightbox forms are only displayed upon user request. They allow quick, easy escape/closing. They focus the user on the action they just requested so there is no surprise at the change on the page. The users are not removed them from the page/app they are working in.

One of the forms is has three (3), discreet steps. So we are using a wizard in the lightbox with progress tracking. This has actually been a significant challenge point with a single person in our group, who (rightly so) is adamantly opposed to multi-panel modals. Usually I agreed in whole.

In this case, a wizard is an accepted pattern for this type of interaction. The users know what they are trying to do and the steps necessary to do it. The lightbox focuses the user on their requested action without leaving the overview page (which gives information on selections and previous action inputs), but allows for quick closing.

While I agree that modals/overlays/lightboxes/etc should be used sparingly, they are not evil or poor UX by nature. User requested versions for a focused task are a valid use case and in many situation may be superior than alternatives when implemented carefully.

I'm working on an implementation of a webpage that needs to feel like a flexible web app. There are multiple forms that the user can fill out.

For my purposes and users, here some assumptions (agreed on by stakeholders & SMEs, but may be overturned in user testing):

1. Users coming to this web app know what they want to do. They are coming to complete a specific task known in advance. That is the purpose of this page. Users don't come here to look around.
2. Because they know what they're doing, they know the required information to fill out the necessary forms.

I've been suggesting the use of lightboxed forms. I'd normally be against using modal windows, but I'm am also VERY opposed to just sending the user to new pages every time they attempt a simple update or add. And I don't think that accordions are the correct solution here (though they might be an alternative option).

In our context, the lightbox forms are only displayed upon user request. They allow quick, easy escape/closing. They focus the user on the action they just requested so there is no surprise at the change on the page. The users are not removed from the page/app they are working in.

One of the forms has three (3), discreet steps. So we are using a wizard in the lightbox with progress tracking. This has actually been a significant challenge point with a single person in our group, who (rightly so) is adamantly opposed to multi-panel modals. Usually I agreed in whole.

In this case, a wizard is an accepted pattern for this type of interaction. The users know what they are trying to do and the steps necessary to do it. The lightbox focuses the user on their requested action without leaving the overview page (which gives information on selections and previous action inputs), but allows for quick closing.

While I agree that modals/overlays/lightboxes/etc should be used sparingly, they are not evil or poor UX by nature. User requested versions for a focused task are a valid use case and in many situation may be superior than alternatives when implemented carefully.