New dividend UX improvement

Idea suggested by Simon Jackson 9 years ago

I've just tried using the Dividend Tool, and all seemed to be going well, all nice and easy... until I navigate away from the Dividend page and then back again: the dividend has gone!

Confused, I try it again. I click Create dividend then enter the details. Click Create. The Dividend breakdown table shows the dividend as expected. I go to view journals or a balance sheet, but no dividend. Back on the Dividend page, it's not listed again.

After some searching of the Community pages, I find this Problem report, where the user seems to be having the same issue... but no resolution other than contacting support.

Finally I wonder if I've actually completed the process. This time through, I click on Create dividend under the Dividend breakdown table. Hey presto, dividend created!

So, that wasn't all too obvious! To help other first-timers in this process, the initial Create dividend button and final Create dividend button should not be labelled the same... otherwise the user assumes the second button is just repeating the same process, not finalising the current one. My suggestion is that:

  1. The Dividend breakdown table heading is changed to Create dividend (just like when creating an invoice, the unsaved invoice heading reads Create invoice), and
  2. The final Create dividend button is changed to Save (again, just like on the Create invoice page)

Having that UX consistency across all areas of ClearBooks will really help users understand the system better, and reduce the learning curve.

I hope that helps!

Implemented
Write reply7
Pledged amount Pledged: £0

Number of backers: 0

7 Replies

In-app announcements: great idea! Will definitely help promote the good work you guys do.

7 years ago

No problem at all Simon - we have a large list of good ideas to work through, but we will keep chipping away :)

We have planned a new process on how to announce new improvements and features within Clear Books itself as I think updates have not always been communicated very well. Pending approval, these in-app announcements should be implemented over the next week or so.

7 years ago

Hi John,

That's great, thanks for confirming. I've not gone to have a look yet, but will be shortly for my next dividend round. It's good to know that ideas don't just sink into the ether, but get looked at once time and priorities permit.

7 years ago

Hi Simon,

I know this has taken a while but I thought I would update you to let you know this has been implemented.

7 years ago

Hi Simon

Thank you. Your valuable feedback will be passed on to the development team.

We are happy that the dividend tool has helped your accounts preparation a little easier.

Have a nice day.

Best regards

Latha

9 years ago

Now that I've used the Dividend Tool again, I understand (I think) why the final step in the process has a Dividend breakdown title to the table: for companies with multiple shareholders. Accordingly, I'd rename this to New dividend breakdown (as opposed to my previous suggestion), but still finish with a Save button (or at least something other than Create dividend again).

Also, it would be nice to have the period and payment date restated on the New dividend breakdown page, just to re-iterate what the user has just entered.

Many thanks for this tool: it's certainly making my first year's accounts as a limited company much easier, thank you Clear Books! :-)

9 years ago

Hi Simon,

Thank you very much for taking the time to provide such detailed feedback. It's really helpful and useful information to know. I will pass on your feedback and suggestions to our development team and UX designer.

Have a lovely Easter :-)

All the best,

Natasha

9 years ago

Reply to this idea

Attach images by dragging and dropping or upload
 

Your comments will be public and can be answered by anyone in the Clear Books community.

Find out what we do and who we are

Apps

Company

Social