I added a special kind of functionality to a client’s user interface today. The client has forms in the application — those screens where there are boxes into which the client types information.

Now the client can click on a field name in a form and up pops a little modular window where he can enter a note. The note can be a field definition, how he arrived at a number entered, or simply a note to himself for the future.

The pop-up window is really a simulated window that resides inside the current browser, so the client won’t end up with multiple browser windows open. Also, it can be resized or dragged out of  the way — like “post-its” for the screen.

This idea came out of a griping session from a client who couldn’t remember how he came up with some adjustment numbers for an overcollateralization analysis.

It  helps the client, and it helps the developer as well. I can read these notes and get a better understanding of the client’s methods, which allows me to understand and deliver future requests faster.

Not to mention it is also pretty cool functionality.

Coolness counts.

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