GoTo Routing in Process Flow Autolayout
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Solution Overview
Problem
In software as a service (SaaS) platforms, users face difficulties in creating and understanding complex process flows due to the lack of structured mechanisms for implementing GoTo routing in autolayout environments, which can lead to confusion and the generation of unusable process flows.
Innovation Solution
A system is provided with a GoTo selector element that allows users to create direct graphical connections between elements in a process flow within an autolayout environment, adhering to predetermined rules for element selection and routing, ensuring simplicity and usability by applying connection rules for GoTo routes and collapsing or expanding connectors as needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If users are allowed to create process flows with GoTo routing in an autolayout environment, then the functionality and versatility of process flow generation is improved, but the complexity of the system increases and may lead to confusion
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the process flow creation into distinct phases: initial element placement following autolayout rules, then optional GoTo routing addition. This segmentation allows users to start with simple structured flows and progressively add complexity only when needed, rather than being overwhelmed by all possibilities at once.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by first establishing the autolayout structure and connection rules before allowing GoTo routing. This preliminary structuring creates a foundation that guides subsequent routing decisions, preventing chaos while maintaining flexibility.
2Ease of operation
If predetermined connection rules are applied to GoTo routes, then the ease of operation and usability are improved, but the flexibility in creating custom routing paths is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial action by implementing connection rules that cover the most common and useful routing scenarios, rather than attempting to regulate every possible path. This provides sufficient guidance for typical cases while leaving room for custom solutions when exceptional needs arise.
Solution Approach 2:
The predetermined connection rules act as an intermediary layer between the user's intent and the actual routing implementation. This intermediary provides structured guidance while still allowing the underlying system to handle complex custom routing when the rules don't fully apply.
3Reliability
If the system prevents creation of unusable process flows through rules, then the reliability of generated flows is improved, but the ease of manufacture and quick prototyping is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service by having the predetermined connection rules automatically validate and guide flow creation in real-time. Rather than requiring manual validation steps or complex review processes, the rules themselves prevent invalid configurations from being created, maintaining both speed and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual validation and error-checking mechanisms with automated connection rules that inherently prevent invalid flows. This substitution eliminates the need for separate verification steps, maintaining rapid prototyping capability while ensuring reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques are disclosed relating to creating routing connections between graphical elements in a process flow. A computer system may provide process flow information that is executable by a client system to display a graphical user interface (GUI) associated with a process diagram flow. The client system may be able to output, via the GUI, a graphical representation of the process flow. The graphical representation may include graphical elements indicative of process steps and graphical connections between the graphical elements. Via the GUI on the client system, a user may request a graphical connection going from a first graphical element to a second graphical element. The computer system may update the process diagram with the graphical connection where the graphical connection is routed based on a predetermined set of connection rules for the process diagram.


