5 game-changing Dynamic Widgets features that elevate Smart View
If you've been struggling with the limitations of Content Server Smart View, you're not alone. While Smart View encourages adoption with its sleek interface, most customers quickly hit walls when trying to create truly tailored, business-ready applications. The static layouts, limited widget interaction, and restricted customization options have left many developers frustrated.
But what if there was a solution that could give you the flexibility of classic ActiveView and WebReports with all the power of modern Smart View? Enter Ravenblack Dynamic Widgets — a smarter, more flexible way to customize Smart View.
Dynamic Widgets is built by the same team that created the original WebReports and ActiveView technology, and it brings cutting-edge customization capabilities to modern Smart View environments enabling dynamic, interactive and intelligent interfaces.
Here are five features of Dynamic Widgets that will change your Smart View experience.
Say goodbye to the pesky widgets that are always visible and rarely used, taking up precious screen real estate even when users don't need them.
Dynamic Widgets let you hide widgets that aren't being used, and reveal functionality exactly when it's needed. You decide how the widgets are displayed and hidden, whether it’s a button click, timed action, or event-based action happening in the widget.
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🚀 Game-changing example 🚀 Imagine you're working in a folder and need to quickly find content from somewhere else in Content Server to copy into where you are. Instead of navigating away and losing your place, you can instantly add a powerful search tool alongside your other widgets. Find what you need, copy it over, and then close the search, all without ever leaving your current location. It's like having a Swiss Army knife that only shows you the tool you need, when you need it. This isn't just convenient; it's transformative to the user's experience and screen efficiency. |
#2: Intelligent widget resizing
Forget being stuck with "single," "double," or "full page," which are the only sizing options in standard Smart View. Dynamic Widgets offers granular control with thirds, quarters, and even custom sizing.
But here's where it gets exciting. Sizing can be determined logically and in real-time. Your widgets can actually think and adapt!
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🚀 Game-changing example 🚀 Picture a search results widget that automatically adjusts its size based on the number of results returned. Few results? It stays compact. Lots of results? It expands to give users the space they need. No more empty space when you have three results; no more cramped viewing when you have 300. This dynamic sizing creates intelligent interfaces that are responsive to user needs. |
Empower your users with custom functional widget headers. In addition to common formatting changes like text and icon changes, every widget can have custom action buttons in its header, each with its own functionality and logic.
Add a "Save as CSV" button to your search results widget. Users can export their findings instantly without navigating through menus or losing their current view. Or create refresh buttons, custom filters, maximize controls, or any other action your users need.
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🚀 Game-changing example 🚀 These buttons can trigger complex work processes. Maybe your "Export" button not only saves the data but also logs the action, sends a notification, or updates related widgets. The possibilities are endless. |
With flexible loading options, content can be loaded at page initialization or refreshed dynamically without requiring a full page reload. This creates smooth, app-like experiences that users love. Unlike traditional approaches that can feel clunky or forced, Dynamic Widgets content loads in a way that feels natural and integrated with the Smart View environment.
Static data is a thing of the past. Imagine search results that update as you type, dashboards that refresh automatically with new data, or content that changes based on user selections, all without the jarring experience of page reloads — that’s the Dynamic Widgets experience.
Consider the performance benefits of loading and updating only what is needed, when it's needed. That way, you create faster and more responsive interfaces that keep users engaged.
Dynamic Widgets also come with isolation benefits. Your custom content operates independently from Smart View's constraints, meaning you can implement cutting-edge features without worrying about conflicts or limitations from the underlying platform.
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🚀 Game-changing example 🚀 Generate informative charts and graphs that users can interact with. Displaying a chart summarizing workflows by status? Let users click on a segment that populates detailed information in a new widget for data exploration. |
At the heart of Dynamic Widgets is a powerful JavaScript API that puts you in complete control. But this isn't just about controlling Dynamic Widgets; you can control any widget in your perspective. With this universal widget control, hide that “Favorites” widget when you don't need it or resize the recently accessed widget based on context. Show and hide standard Smart View widgets dynamically. You're no longer limited by the Smart View framework, yet it works seamlessly within it.
When we’re creating a Dynamic Widget using our API, we’re considering different approaches:
- Loading-based: Set up functionality that executes when widgets load as the page is loading.
- Event-based: Create interactive experiences that respond to user actions in real-time, whether through defined controls, or responding to JavaScript events.
- Timer-based: Define one or more actions to perform at pre-defined intervals.
Despite its power, the API is surprisingly simple. Most functionality can be implemented with just a few lines of code, making it accessible to developers of all skill levels.
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🚀 Game-changing example 🚀 Have an important message you need to broadcast to employees quickly? Build into your perspective a dynamic widget that shows important news items in real time, that not only informs the employee, but also lets them acknowledge the news item, and clear away the widget once they’ve read it. |
Dynamic Widgets don't just add features to Smart View — it redefines what's possible. It bridges the gap between the flexibility users need and the modern interface they want, all while preserving the familiar Smart View experience.
Whether you're building complex business applications, designing tailored work processes, or simply improving usability, Dynamic Widgets gives you the control and versatility to do it — no workarounds required.
The future of Smart View customization is here, and it's more powerful, intuitive and accessible than ever before.
Ravenblack Dynamic Widgets is available now and works with Content Server versions 20.2 to the latest releases. Installation is simple, deployment is straightforward, and the results are immediate.
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