Dynamic Questionnaire Rendering via Spreadsheet Configuration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional software solutions for dynamic rendering of data intake questionnaires require complex coding knowledge, making it difficult for non-technical employees to modify and customize questionnaires, especially when dealing with sensitive data and regulatory disclaimers, leading to a negative user experience due to unnecessary and confusing content.

Innovation Solution

A computer-implemented system and method that dynamically generates and renders reflexive online data intake questionnaires, allowing minimal programming knowledge users to modify forms by capturing user information, adjusting fields relevantly, and evaluating user inputs to display only necessary content based on pre-defined logic.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional software solutions dynamically render questionnaires by allowing employees to update and modify the corresponding code, then the questionnaire can be customized and updated, but the complexity of coding knowledge required increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvequestionnaire customization capabilityVSAvoidcoding knowledge complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a visual configuration interface as an intermediary between the user and the underlying code. This interface allows employees to modify questionnaire behavior through drag-and-drop operations and visual settings without directly editing code, thereby maintaining adaptability while eliminating the need for complex coding knowledge.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical system of manual code editing with an automated visual configuration system. The system automatically generates and updates the underlying code based on user actions in the visual interface, substituting the need for manual programming with an automated translation process from visual configuration to code.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If all disclaimers are displayed in conventional online questionnaires, then regulatory compliance is ensured, but the user experience deteriorates due to interface crowding and confusion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveregulatory complianceVSAvoiduser experience quality

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic disclaimer display that adapts based on user interactions and questionnaire context. Disclaimers are shown or hidden automatically based on relevant conditions, such as specific user selections or questionnaire types, ensuring regulatory compliance while maintaining a clean interface by displaying only necessary disclaimers at appropriate moments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the disclaimer content into multiple discrete, conditionally-displayed elements rather than presenting all disclaimers simultaneously. This allows the interface to maintain clarity by showing only relevant portions of disclaimers based on the current questionnaire context and user progress, while ensuring all necessary disclaimers are ultimately presented.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If employees are allowed to modify the code controlling questionnaire rendering, then customization flexibility improves, but the risk of errors increases due to lack of programming experience

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvequestionnaire modification flexibilityVSAvoidcode modification safety

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The visual configuration interface acts as a protective intermediary that translates user-friendly operations into safe code modifications. The system validates and controls all code changes through the visual interface, preventing erroneous modifications while maintaining the ability to customize questionnaires. This intermediary layer ensures that even employees without programming experience can make safe, effective modifications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides self-service capabilities through automated code generation and validation. When users configure questionnaires through the visual interface, the system automatically generates, validates, and updates the underlying code without requiring manual intervention. This self-service approach eliminates human error in code modification while maintaining full customization capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS11842145B1Systems, devices, and methods for software coding

Publication Date: 2023.12.12 MASSACHUSETTS MUTUAL LIFE INSURANCE CO

AI summary

Methods and systems described herein allow dynamic rendering of a reflexive questionnaire based on a modifiable spreadsheet for users with little to no programming experience and knowledge. The method and system allow retrieving a spreadsheet to generate a dynamic and reflexive graphical user interface and to pre-populate one or more input elements within the reflexive graphical user interface based on user information retrieved from a disparate data source, where the spreadsheet may be configured for a worksheet inheritance or where the worksheet may be accessed through a check-in/check-out functionality.