Situation: There are items (physically delivered, only of value virtually) that are populated into a datatable after a specified time period (lets call it 7 days for concrete reference), however, the method users get their items is via USPS or UPS so they may receive them before the allotted 7 days. This datatable is used for selecting one, many, or all items in order to take an action (print, redeem, view, etc.) If they receive their item before the allotted '7 day' period they may have their item but are unable to act on the item.
Goal: We are looking to add a 'manual entry' of their item.
Ideas, thus far:
- A auto-complete text box that allows the tracking number to be entered and then the item is added to the datatable. Minimum input of 3-5 to prevent guessing numbers [0-9].
- A "pick the card" type game, where the images are randomly chosen from our database of possibles with their item being listed.
The idea behind both is that we aren't trying to keep the items away from the user but we have the need for some "secrecy" as these items are supposed to be a surprise to the user.
Is the image picker too progressive to be understood? Does the auto-complete cause more of a barrier to adding the item? Is there some other idea that you view as a more elegant solution?
Additional Info: These items hold monetary value and are used to complete a redemption for a gift card. Without the item in the grid we are unable to multi-select that value and they may be missing out on the item they (the item recipient) had just received.
