Visual Form Designer for Non-Technical Interface Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for designing user interfaces require programming knowledge, which can be a barrier for users who want to create forms without technical expertise, as they need to handle various data sources, destinations, and permissions configurations.
Innovation Solution
A graphical user interface (GUI) based design system that allows users to configure forms and widgets without programming, using a widget-selection, form-design, and widget-properties section, enabling selection of data sources, destinations, and permissions settings in a user-friendly manner.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a programming-based interface design system is used, then the system provides flexibility and control over interface configuration, but it requires programming knowledge that creates a barrier for non-technical users
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a visual form designer as an intermediary tool between non-technical users and the underlying programming system. This designer provides a graphical user interface with drag-and-drop widgets, property panels, and visual editors that translate user-friendly operations into programmed interface configurations, thereby eliminating the need for users to directly write code while maintaining system flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of manual programming with an automated visual design system. Instead of requiring users to manually code interface elements, the system uses visual editors, property inspectors, and automated code generation to transform graphical design actions into programmed interface configurations, substituting the need for direct programming mechanics
2Adaptability or versatility
If users are allowed to freely configure form fields and widgets, then the system provides high customization capability, but it increases the complexity of data source, destination, and permissions management
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the complex configuration process into distinct, manageable sections including widget selection, property configuration, data source binding, destination mapping, and permissions setting. Each segment is handled through dedicated interface panels and tools, allowing users to configure forms step-by-step without being overwhelmed by the entire system's complexity at once
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universal data source and destination components that can be reused across multiple forms and widgets. By creating standardized, multi-functional configuration elements that work across different form types and contexts, the system reduces the overall complexity of managing data bindings and permissions while maintaining high customization capability
3Ease of operation
If visual drag-and-drop widgets are used instead of programming, then the ease of operation improves for non-technical users, but the precision and control over interface behavior may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates real-time feedback mechanisms in the visual form designer, including property inspectors that display current widget configurations, live previews of form behavior, and validation messages that guide users toward precise configurations. This feedback loop allows non-technical users to achieve precise interface behavior control through visual adjustments rather than programming
Solution Approach 2:
The patent provides pre-configured widget templates, default property settings, and automated data source bindings that perform preliminary configuration actions. These pre-prepared elements reduce the precision requirements for user input while maintaining high interface behavior control, as the system has already performed complex configuration tasks in advance
Data Source
AI summary
A visual form designer is disclosed. A target user interface is configured to display a particular form. A design user interface is used to design the target user interface. The design user interface includes at least a widget-selection section and a form-design section. The design user interface also includes various layout options for displaying a form template in the form-design section. An interface widget may be dragged from the widget-selection section to a particular location in the form template in the form-design section. The design user interface displays an instance of the interface widget at the particular location in the form template. A different layout may be selected. The design user interface displays the instance of the interface widget at a different location in the form template in the different layout. Hence, instances of interface widgets in the form template are rearranged based on a selected layout option.