HP Intelligent Management Center Standard Software Platform - Manual (Page 773)

Parameter fields
When you include parameter fields in a report, make sure they are clear and
simple. Although parameter fields can be a useful tool for providing accessible
content, they can also introduce several accessibility concerns. It is important
to test all parameter fields for accessibility.
Parameter fields should follow these guidelines:
• Provide a list of default values for the user to choose from.
Avoid requiring the user to type a value for a parameter. When users
provide their own values, they need to make sure the format of the value
will be recognized by the parameter field. A list of default values is easier
to use, and it ensures that the user chooses from values with valid formats.
• Try to avoid complex parameter fields.
A complex parameter field may be more accessible when it is broken
down into multiple parameters. When you test the accessibility of your
parameter fields, pay particular attention to parameters that require a
range. It may be easier to understand if you provide two parameter fields
that prompt for discrete values for the top and bottom of the range, rather
than ask the user to choose both values in the same parameter field.
• For date fields, do not allow users to choose their own values.
The calendar used to select date values is not currently accessible.
Provide a pick-list of default date values. Using a list of default values
also helps avoid invalid date formats.
Designing for flexibility
Flexibility is the key to providing accessible reports. Because different users
require different levels of accessibility, it is good practice to provide a variety
of presentation styles and methods to meet the needs of as many people as
possible. For a detailed report, however, you may not be able to provide
multiple presentation styles without cluttering the report with extra objects.
To address this problem, plan the degree to which you want to integrate
accessible formats into your reports. You can provide accessible formatting
for each object, for each section, or as a subreport. You can then allow users
Crystal Reports 2008 SP3 User's Guide 773
C Creating Accessible Reports
Designing for flexibility