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pcplantdb - Re: [pcplantdb] a few things...

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  • From: Bear Kaufmann <bear@ursine-design.com>
  • To: pcplantdb <pcplantdb@lists.ibiblio.org>
  • Subject: Re: [pcplantdb] a few things...
  • Date: Fri, 29 Jul 2005 22:07:07 -0700

Bear Kaufmann wrote:
I think as a start we can try to re-factor the advanced search into the
inputs-outputs model.

Use arrays of nested (cascading) options checkboxes.
OK, at a more basic level, what are the inputs and outputs?
In the previous email, I was trying to find how values in the current database that can map to the input-output model.
"Uses" generally map to outputs, "fodder", "nectar", "fruit", "soap"...we'd need to start thinking of these in this manner first.

Fill out form, perform search, save entire results to a user session cache. Fill out
form again & do search, save results to another cache - when done
perform an inputs-outputs report based on comparison of data in results
in all the separate caches.
I think I see what you're seeing, but I'd rephrase it. Instead of a "session cache", lets start adding objects (plants for now) to a "Guild", which could be saved by the user.
In my discussion with Stephanie around the Rich Client, we were thinking of Guild "Wizards" (pardon the Windows term). A set of say 5 objects. They start prefilled with basic search terms. There's the n-fixer object, you click it, and a search is preformed, with nitrogen fixing required (plus "global" items like your hardiness zone, or location that apply to the whole guild). You find a plant you like, and save it into that object (now the plant itself), and continue on through the tree, vine, etc recommended plants for a guild (of which there could be a variety that are built).

That make any sense, or should I try and build a mockup?

Discover guilds or compatible groups, design systems, go and plant with
plan in hand.
Emphasis on discover. Find, get recommendations. We can't assume the computer will get it all right, and give us a prefer guild, but yes, we can help people discover potential.

Cheers,
Bear





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