In Smartfacts CDCM, the user interface (UI) can be tailored for each concept type to meet specific needs. This customization enables users to define how information is displayed and interacted with for different types of concepts. By leveraging this feature, organizations can create layouts that align with their workflows, improve usability, and provide a structured presentation of key details.
The UI customization is defined at the concept type level, meaning that each concept type can have its own distinct layout. Modifications are made through dedicated sections in the configuration menu, allowing users to define and structure the following areas of the UI:
Header UI: Determines the appearance and content of the header section.
Details UI: Configures the layout and content of the detailed view.
Delegated UI: Defines UIs that are accessible externally via OSLC
How it Works
UI customization in CDCM revolves around the use of containers. Containers serve as the foundational elements for building and organizing the UI layout. Here's how the system works:
1. Containers as Building Blocks
Definition: A container is a structural unit that holds other elements. Containers can be nested to create hierarchical layouts, providing flexibility and clarity in presenting data.
Customization Options:
Titles: Each container can have a title, helping to group and identify its contents.
Columns: Users can define the number of columns in a container, choosing from single-column layouts to multi-column grids.
Column Widths: The width of each column can be adjusted as a percentage, giving precise control over how much space each element occupies.
2. Elements Contained in Containers
Containers can hold the following elements:
Nested Containers: To create hierarchical groupings of related data.
Properties: These can be:
Simple Properties: Basic attributes of the concept.
Complex Properties: Properties with nested or structured data.
System Properties: Predefined properties provided by CDCM.
Calculated Fields: Fields derived from other data points, often used to display aggregated or processed information. (See related documentation for more details.)
States: Special fields for displaying and modifying the current state of the concept, ensuring visibility and control over the concept's lifecycle.
3. Defining Layouts
Column Customization:
Users can choose the number of columns within a container (e.g., 1, 2, or more).
Columns can be resized by adjusting their width as a percentage, ensuring optimal use of available screen space.
Nesting:
Containers can contain other containers, allowing for intricate and multi-level layouts. This is useful for organizing large amounts of data in a clear and hierarchical way.
4. Dynamic Adjustments
Reordering: Elements within a container can be rearranged to match user priorities.
Scalability: The nested structure and column adjustments ensure the layout can scale across different screen sizes or data volumes.
Example Workflow for Customization
Create a Container:
Add a new container for a specific group of properties or calculated fields.
Assign a title to the container for clarity.
Define Columns:
Set the number of columns (e.g., 2 columns for side-by-side comparison of fields).
Adjust the width of each column to prioritize key information.
Add Elements:
Insert properties, calculated fields, or states into the container.
Nest additional containers if needed to further organize related elements.
Preview and Adjust:
Review the layout to ensure usability and readability.
Modify column widths, reorder elements, or adjust nesting as needed.
Benefits of UI Customization
Tailored Layouts: Each concept type can have a UI that matches its unique requirements.
Improved Clarity: Logical grouping and nesting help users quickly locate relevant information.
Flexibility: Adjustable columns and nesting provide a scalable approach to handling both simple and complex data structures.
Consistency: By customizing layouts at the concept type level, administrators can ensure consistent UIs across similar types of data.
This robust customization framework enables organizations to create intuitive and effective interfaces that enhance user productivity and streamline workflows.
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