Dynamic Select

This article gives a tutorial on Dynamic Select.

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Written by Abdullah
Updated over a week ago

Dynamic Select is a powerful feature which enhances the functionality of drop-down menus in questionnaires, which allows previously entered answers, pre-defined values or data from the API, to be ‘collected’ and ultimately repurposed.

How does it work?

To begin using Dynamic Select, navigate to the relevant question type, such as Select, Open Select, or Multi-Select. You will find a dropdown menu called: Select options presenting three distinct sub-options. We’ve outlined the three options below:

Static list of pre-defined options: This option allows users to manually define and set the desired option values within the questionnaire itself. Avvoka's Dynamic Select feature proves particularly valuable when conditional dropdown options are needed based on other attributes. Previously, users had to create numerous attributes and visibility conditions, leading to intricate and complex templates. However, with the introduction of the Dynamic Select feature, visibility conditions can now be applied directly on the option, streamlining the process and enhancing manageability.

Static list of pre-defined options or dynamically collected from responses to other questionnaire items: This advanced option combines a static list of predefined options with the capability to collect options from responses to other questions. By selecting the "Static list of pre-defined options or dynamically collected from responses to other questionnaire items” feature, users can effortlessly populate drop-down options with values derived from the questionnaire itself. Instead of manually inputting each option, users have the convenience of selecting attributes directly from the template. The chosen attribute's entry values will dynamically populate the dropdown options, ensuring accuracy and saving valuable time. This powerful feature accommodates various scenarios, including looped attributes and multi-select attributes, automatically generating multiple options based on the corresponding attribute's values. Additionally, users can leverage operations as collect options, further expanding the flexibility and functionality of the Dynamic Select feature.

To support having labels for dynamically collected options, there is a dedicated button for adding dynamic options. Instead of simply selecting attributes at the bottom, you can easily add options with custom labels.

API-updateable list of options: This feature provides users with the capability to retrieve option values from an external database or system through Avvoka's API. By selecting the "API-updatable list of options", users can tap into advanced use cases where the option values need to be dynamically updated. This ensures seamless integration with external data sources, granting users the freedom to keep their option values up-to-date and aligned with their evolving requirements. For detailed instructions and guidance, please refer to our comprehensive API documentation.

How else can I use Dynamic Select?

Defining Visibility Conditions (Optional): Avvoka provides users with the flexibility to control the visibility of options based on specific conditions. To define these visibility conditions, users will notice an eye icon positioned next to each option. By selecting the eye icon, users can access the visibility settings and further customise the behaviour of the option. To add a visibility condition, you can simply click on the plus icon, which opens up the conditionality builder. Within the conditionality builder, you can precisely define the criteria that determine when an option should be visible or hidden. This powerful feature empowers users to tailor the questionnaire's behaviour and ensure that options dynamically adapt based on the respondent's input or other relevant factors.

You can also choose to add visibility conditions for dynamically collected options like with regular static options.

Label Customization in Questionnaires: This new enhancement within select, multiselect and open select options offer greater flexibility and customization options for designing the questionnaire. It allows users to present custom labels to end users that do not need to match the values that will be displayed in the document for placeholders or used to build conditions.

For example, a regulation like the eIDAS Regulation can be displayed as “eIDAS Regulation” in the questionnaire for end users while storing the full name, “Regulation on electronic identification and trust services for electronic transactions in the internal market (eIDAS Regulation)” internally so it will be displayed in the final document if that option is selected.

Please note that the Label section is marked as optional. If you do not provide a label, the Value will be used as the Label by default.

Under the label section, the default setting will have the label automatically set to be the same as the option's value (by selecting the same attribute). However, you can choose to select another attribute if needed. Moreover, you have the option to click the pencil/attribute icon to convert the label field into a free-text field, enabling you to add your own label.

It is also possible to reorder options by dragging and dropping, making it effortless to organize your select lists.

Avvoka's Dynamic Select feature empowers users to create dynamic and customizable

dropdown menus in their questionnaires. By utilising predefined values, responses from other questions, or external data sources, users can enhance the functionality and flexibility of their forms, streamlining the data collection process further.

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