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Build-in offramps (exit screens)

Every interview needs to make a choice​

If your interview handles every situation, you probably don't need an exit screen. But in the real world, your interview needs to make choices.

For example: CourtFormsOnline's adult name change interview only handles adult name changes. If the user is under 18, they are screened out. A separate interview handles minor name changes.

Making choices about which situations your interview will handle allows you to release the interview into the world.

When to use an exit screen​

As part of the introductory screens of your interview, you should explain any rules or limits that would prevent a user from qualifying to use your interview.

In many cases, it can also help to explicitly ask qualifying questions.

What to include in an exit screen​

  1. A clear message that the person does not qualify.
  2. Consider a visual indicator, such as a raised hand, a stop sign, a warning triangle.
  3. Explain why the person does not qualify. Include specific information related to the responses that they gave.
  4. Include a next step, such as starting the interview over or visiting a website with an alternative solution.

A "hard" exit screen​

"Hard" exit screens stop the user from continuing. They should always offer an alternative choice.

Consider offering a choice that allows the user to revise their response or start the interview over.

This exit screen in MADE appears when the user chooses a common housing-related problem that is not an eviction:

This exit screen in a name change interview appears when the user wants to change their name, but the form does not handle their situation:

A "soft" exit screen​

This exit screen in MADE appears when the tenant is trying to stop an eviction but the eviction hasn't been filed in court yet:

Soft exit screens are a good option to slow the user down and make sure that they are making the right choice.

Should you let the user continue instead?​

An exit screen enforces the choices that the developer made when deciding the scope of the interview. It can also enforce clear legal rules or business logic.

When someone uses a paper form, they can turn in something that isn't legally sufficient. But when they use a computer tool, they usually expect more enforcement.