What is a Data Input?

A Data Input is a place where members can enter information that you can view when they submit it.

When creating an interactive Page or Post, you can choose from a wide range of data input types in order to get the information you need in a useful format. This is especially useful when creating surveys, contests, or forms.

Data tab

When the Interactive checkbox is selected when building content in the Editor, the Data tab appears:

Selecting the blue plus (+) adds a new Data Input field. You can select an input type based on the type of information needed:

Input Types

Text

Used for a single line of text, such as a name or short phrase up to 128 characters.

Long text

Used for a multi-line text box, such as additional information not captured by other questions in the form, up to 16,384 characters.

Number

Used to get a numeric value. You can set a minimum and maximum allowed value to ensure the number entered is within a required range.

Choose one from a list (Radio buttons)

Used to create a series of options where the user chooses one option. The value field can be used to simplify the answer choice to a single helpful text or numeric value.

Choose many from a list (Checkboxes)

Used to create a series of options which the user can choose one or more options. You can set a minimum (at least X) or maximum (at most Y) number of options the user must select. The value field can be used to simplify the answer choice to a single helpful text or numeric value.

Choose one from a dropdown (Select box)

Used to create a series of options where the user chooses one option. This is similar to the Radio button except the user selects from a dropdown list. The value field can be used to simplify the answer choice to a single helpful text or numeric value.

Choose a number from a slider

Used to get a numeric value. This is similar to Number, except the user uses a finger or mouse to move the slider rather than entering a number using a keyboard. A minimum and maximum allowed range can be set here as well.

Choose a number using buttons

Used to get a numeric value. The user clicks on a "-" or "+" button to decrease or increase the number. A minimum and maximum allowed range can be set here as well.

Email address

Used to obtain a properly formatted email address (username@domain.com)

Phone number

Used to obtain a phone number. Only the + symbol and numerals are allowed.

Website

Used to obtain a website that starts with http:// or https://

Yes / No (Boolean)

Used to obtain a Boolean value (0 for No, 1 for Yes) from a slider that can be toggled.

Enter an address

Used to obtain an address. The geolocation is suggested as the user starts typing the address:

Currency amount

Used to obtain a monetary value:

Select a date

Used to select a particular calendar day:

Select a time of day

Used to select a time period in a day:

Select a date and time

Used to select a time on a particular day:

Select a date range with times

Used to select a Start date and time, and an End date and time:

Select a time range

Used to select a start and end time:

Share their location

Used to get a geolocation co-ordinates based on an address:

Percentage

Used to obtain a percent % by entering a number or using the up and down arrows. By default the minimum and maximum allowed values are 0 and 100 but that can be changed.

Changing data input type

To change the data input type, edit the Page or Post and go to the Data tab. Select the edit (pencil) icon to change the properties of an existing data input. Selecting a new input type will preserve the name of the data field, but will reset all other options to their default values.

Validation (Required Field)

If the user must enter a value for a data input, toggle the Required Field option. The user cannot submit the form until they have entered a value for this data input field.

Security

The end user can input this field: this is a field the end user can enter a value (default expectation).

My team can edit and update this field: Workplace Admins (typically) can edit this value after it has been submitted by a user, usually to correct or update based on changing circumstances.

Advanced Mode

Advanced mode offers additional data input types, validation and security features.

Geo-location Polygon

Used to get an area on a map rather than a specific location

Advanced Validation

The Validation tab in Advanced Mode is used set properties such as whether this is a Required Field, Minimum and Maximum allowed values for numeric data input fields, as well as making a Required Field When another data input has a certain value:

Advanced Security

The Security tab in Advanced Mode allows you to control who can change the values. Typically the end user creates the values when they first submit an interaction. You can further control which teams may Read, Update or Delete the values. This can be useful for data privacy and security purposes.

Dependency

The Dependency feature works with the “Choose one from a drop down” (selectbox) input type. It allows you to display different data inputs depending on the selection made in the drop down.

Example: If question is “Would you like to make a reservation?” and the options are “Yes” or “No,”

If Yes, you can show “Great! Please enter your contact information” with some additional input fields for contact information fields such as name and email address.
If No, you can ask ”Is there an alternative you would prefer?” with a text box for comments.

This can also be used for maintenance requests. If the request is HVAC related, you can ask more specific questions about the issue (what floor? too hot or too cold?) versus if the request is about plumbing or cleaning issues.

In the example above, “What can we do to make it better” field appears only if the user selects “No” in the drop down.

How to Configure Dependency

In Data Tab, create a Choose one from a drop down data input. This will be the choice the member makes that will determine which other inputs to show.

In the example below, we have two types of requests, HVAC or cleaning related:
Next create the data input(s) for when the member choses the first option.

In the example above, the first option is HVAC related, so we created a Long form data input for the member to tell us more about the request:
Select Add Dependency Rule and select the following:
- Data Field: Select the dropdown created in Step 1
- Operator: select Value Equals
- Value: Select the first value for the drop down
Select Create to create the rule and Save the Data Input:
Repeat by creating data input(s) for the remaining drop down choices.
You should now have the main drop down data input, and at least one data input for each of the drop down choices:
Go to the Layout tab and add the new dropdown data input type. The dependant inputs will appear indented and below the main drop down input:
Save, target, and publish the content item.

When a member is filling out the form, if they select Heating and ventilation, they will get the HVAC request data input, and if they select Cleaning, they will see the Cleaning Request data input.

You can also direct the form to the right team using Conditional Workflows.

If you have any questions or need additional help, contact VTS Activate Support at support@activate.vts.com and we will be happy to advise.

Data Inputs