How should input fields be laid out on larger view ports?

Question

Within the context of Enterprise UX, where the focus of forms is not on conversion rates, but on quick and efficient data input process, which of the following patterns would you recommend for laying out fields/forms. I'm particularly interested in how designers deal with a huge amount of white space in larger view ports when research recommends you to go top-down (3rd option)

P.S. I mention the context of an enterprise UX software, as the user here fills out these forms like 10 times a day. The goal is to optimize it for a frequent user, rather than to entice a one-time user to fill a form.

Answer 1

You would definitely go with example #2 then. When users frequent a form of this nature on a regular basis you have to factor in how they scan the form and how they interact with it. A key part of a form like this is that users like to tab through the form to input faster. It's far more natural and efficient to use example #2 in that manner because users are expecting the form to read like a book.

Just make sure that you group your inputs in a manner that flows well - and in a manner that the targeted user anticipates. Remember that when the user is filling out the form they have a specific grouping of elements that they're thinking about as well. It's all based on the task they're currently performing. Make sure you interview them and gain insight into what those groupings are.

Summary: I've designed a lot of these forms for enterprise financial companies that perform audits, etc. Example #2 is the pattern that's worked best.

Answer 2

If you're interested in option 3 because it's the most similar to a spreadsheet's operation, and that that's the most common enterprise activity (with computers), then the design question on white space becomes interesting.

It could best be used to provide context and relevant commentary on the currently selected form field.

If the device it's targeting (PC, Mac, iPad etc) is capable of scaling windows, then it's important to leave the right side white space blank so the user can scale the window to see and do other things in that space with another app. Probably youtube ;)