[LINK] re: eCensus web page design

[Greg Taylor]

On Wed, 09 Aug 2006 08:41:04 +1000, Tom Worthington wrote:
> ...
> Here are some comments on the process:
> 
> * SECURITY FLAW IN INSTRUCTIONS?: Along with a booklet and
> paper  census form I received an eCensus number. This was
> in a sealed  anti-tamper envelope. To access the eCensus
> system you need both the  eCensus number and the census
> form number on the paper census form.  This provides a
> level of security much like the combination of a card 
> number and PIN for a bank ATM.

No it isn't.  It seems highly likely that the eCensus number
is only linked to the census form number at the time of
first login.  It could hardly be otherwise given the method
of distribution.

> However, the security of the system will be compromised if
> the  instructions with the eCensus number are followed:
> these suggest  writing the census form number above the
> eCensus number. As a result  the security provided by
> having two separate numbers is compromised.

Maybe, but the security requirements are somewhat different
from a bank.  Access is terminated once the form is
submitted, and the eCensus sheet with Receipt No. simply
becomes your proof of completion.

Most of the rest of your comments about the form and the
process are subjective and pedantic.  The use of words like
"confusing" and "daunting" might be appropriate if the user
had never seen a computer or an online form before, but is
that a realistic assumption?  Who did you survey to reach
these conclusions?

Personally I found the system to be well designed, easy to
use and very quick, and I sent a message of congratulations
to ABS.  I've surveyed a number of work colleagues who also
found it a breeze, and much less tedious than the paper
form.

As of this morning, 533,702 eCensus forms had been
submitted, according to this media release:
 
http://www.abs.gov.au/AUSSTATS/abs@.nsf/mediareleasesbyCatalogue/6C4F428D34247A15CA2571C4007829E8?OpenDocument

The average takeup rate was 6.2% but the ABS expects this to
increase to about 10%.


Greg