Spreadsheet-Based Dynamic Questionnaire Rendering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional software solutions for online data intake questionnaires require complex coding knowledge to dynamically render and modify questionnaires, which is challenging for employees without programming expertise, especially when dealing with real-time changes in labels and fields based on user inputs.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method and system that dynamically generates and renders online data intake questionnaires by using a spreadsheet with rows containing statement, data type, logic, and field identifiers, allowing for real-time updates and modifications without extensive programming knowledge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional software solutions dynamically render questionnaires by allowing employees to update and modify code, then the questionnaire can be customized and updated in real-time, but the employee must be familiar with complex coding algorithms (XML or HTML) which most employees lack
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary component - a visual questionnaire builder interface - that mediates between the user's simple drag-and-drop actions and the complex code generation. This intermediary translates user-friendly operations into the underlying XML/HTML code without requiring users to understand it, resolving the contradiction between customization capability and ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of writing code (typing XML/HTML tags) with an automated system that generates code through visual operations. The system automatically translates visual questionnaire designs into code, substituting the need for manual coding with automated code generation, thus eliminating the requirement for coding knowledge while maintaining customization
2Reliability
If all disclaimers are displayed in conventional online questionnaires, then all potential legal requirements are covered, but the graphical user interface becomes crowded and creates a negative user experience
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic disclaimer display where the visibility and content of disclaimers change based on user interactions and questionnaire context. Disclaimers are dynamically shown or hidden depending on which questions are answered and what data is collected, allowing the system to maintain legal compliance while presenting only relevant disclaimers to users, thus improving interface clarity without sacrificing reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different display qualities to different parts of the interface - relevant disclaimers are displayed prominently near related questions, while irrelevant disclaimers are hidden or minimized. This local differentiation ensures that legal requirements are met through targeted display of necessary disclaimers without crowding the entire interface, resolving the contradiction between compliance and user experience
3Adaptability or versatility
If employees are allowed to modify the code controlling questionnaire rendering, then customization is possible, but the employees typically do not have proper programming experience and knowledge creating security risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary layer - a controlled visualization interface - that sits between employees and the underlying code. This intermediary allows employees to modify questionnaire behavior through safe visual operations while preventing direct access to the codebase, thus enabling customization without compromising system security through unauthorized code modifications
4Productivity
If programming logic is not modular or reusable, then programming questionnaires becomes time-consuming and laborious, but creating modular logic requires advanced programming knowledge
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments questionnaire logic into modular, reusable components that can be independently created and combined. The visual builder allows users to create separate logic modules for different questionnaire sections or conditions, which can then be reused across multiple questionnaires. This segmentation improves productivity by eliminating redundant programming while the visual interface masks the underlying complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates universal logic templates and reusable components that can serve multiple functions across different questionnaires. A single logic module created in the visual builder can be applied to multiple questionnaire scenarios, providing multi-functionality that increases productivity without requiring users to understand the complex programming behind the reusable components
Data Source
AI summary
Provided methods and systems allow dynamic rendering of a reflexive questionnaire based on a modifiable spreadsheet for users with little to no programming experience and knowledge. Some methods comprise receiving a modifiable spreadsheet with multiple rows, each row comprising rendering instructions for a reflexive questionnaire from a first computer, such as a data type cell, statement cell, logic cell, and a field identifier; rendering a graphical user interface, on a second computer, comprising a label and an input element corresponding to the rendering instructions of a first row of the spreadsheet; receiving an input from the second computer; evaluating the input against the logic cell of the spreadsheet; in response to the input complying with the logic cell of the spreadsheet, dynamically rendering a second label and a second input element to be displayed on the graphical user interface based on the logic of the first row.