Natural Langauge Data Entry

Cozi is software that helps families coordinate their calendars. It has both a desktop software component and a web-access component.

In both the desktop and web contexts, you can enter appointments using natural language:

From: Cozi

The entry interface is simply a long field at the bottom of the current calendar view:

Though I keep my calendar electronically (on Outlook, which I can sync with Cozi), my husband is a dedicated paper-planner. He found the natural-language approach a breeze to use for his appointments—much less intimidating than an appointment form (which is also available for use).

However, I did have to tell him to press "Enter" to complete his entry. Particularly for its web interface, Cozi should consider having an explicit "Enter" button adjacent to the appointment field. Doing so  runs against the streamlined approach they are taking to the interface. However, not providing the button runs the risk that users will feel "stuck"—not knowing what to do next.