Designing for Efficiency: Database UI Enhancements

By Tina D. Stephens

Sometimes when I'm searching for a specific workflow or event registration, I think back to the library at my high school. As a freshman, our school library consisted of just one room with a small collection of donated books and encyclopedias, which filled less than a dozen bookshelves. By the time I was a junior, the library had outgrown its space, and my class was tasked with learning the Dewey Decimal System and implementing it for our expanding collection.

Your assortment of workflows and registrations might have been easy to manage when you first began using Rock. However, like anything else, over time, finding a specific item can become frustrating. Organizing information can also present challenges, especially if you're uncertain about where information is being utilized.

We have a few tools available that can assist with managing workflow pages and event registrations.

Here’s a quick overview of how they work

  • A dynamic block displays where a workflow is being referenced.
  • There's a search function specifically designed for workflows.
  • Another search function is available for registrations.
  • Quick links to public registrations are provided from every registration instance.

Now, let's delve into the detailed functionality for workflows:

The new dynamic block on the Workflow page reveals where the workflow is referenced within Rock. It displays blocks, connections, workflow Entry Forms, and pages where the workflow is utilized. This feature aids in understanding the context and usage of a workflow. It can also help distinguish between seemingly duplicate workflows by indicating which one is actually in use. If the workflow isn't referenced anywhere, the block won't appear at all.

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Adding a search button at the top of your workflow list is a simple addition that you'll find indispensable. Just imagine navigating through the Library of Congress without any search tools at your disposal. I'm sure you've experienced that frustrating feeling when you forget where a workflow is located or when you've inherited a system organized by someone else. With this search functionality, you can easily search by a single word or the full title to quickly locate the desired workflow. It's bound to become one of your new favorites.

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Now, let's explore the detailed functionality for registrations:

The Registration page is another area that can quickly become overwhelming with a long list of instances. Similar to the Workflow page, a search function will be added to the top of your registration list for easier navigation.

Additionally, a new button will be introduced on the Event Registration Instance page. This button will automatically generate the public link to a registration. If you've ever had to search for a public link by navigating to 'Linkages,' copying the slug, and pasting it onto a base registration page, you'll appreciate this feature. The button will even recognize if the registration is utilizing a slug, streamlining the process further.

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With these effective tools at your disposal, you and your team will find yourselves working more efficiently, bypassing the hassle of navigating through endless data to find what you need. The convenience and time saving will be undeniable. Keep an eye out for future posts, as we continuously explore and share new UI enhancement ideas to further boost your productivity.

What's Next?

The installation process for these two areas totals just one hour. If you believe these tools will significantly enhance your work, simply click the button below. Fill out a simple form to help us better understand your needs, and we'll be in touch with you shortly!

*If you are not currently a client of ours, there will be a one-time fee incurred prior to the implementation of any features.

*Looking Ahead

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