Form Builder Overview
What is Form Builder?
Form Builder is a tool for designing structured, machine-readable forms that power the Collections application. Each form is defined using a standardized JSON Schema, which ensures consistent data entry across experiments, teams, and time.
With Form Builder, project leads and data stewards can create:
- Custom forms tailored to specific workflows (e.g., synthesis, testing, imaging)
- Templates that capture the exact metadata needed for a project
- Validations and hints to guide users toward high-quality, complete data
A Step Toward Standardization and Automation
If you want consistent, reusable data—and eventually automation—you need a shared structure first.
Form Builder provides that structure by enabling:
- Data validation at the point of entry
- Schema-based workflows that integrate with lab automation, databases, or analysis pipelines
- Future-proof forms that evolve as your project scales or changes focus
By defining your data needs upfront, you reduce ambiguity, avoid missing information, and open the door to more automated, interoperable research.
How It Helps Project Leads
- Design forms that match your team’s scientific workflow
- Enforce data requirements for compliance or reporting
- Reduce onboarding time for new students and staff
- Enable consistent data curation across multiple users or locations
How It Helps Contributors
- Users know exactly what to fill out—no guesswork
- Field descriptions and hints reduce confusion
- Validation catches errors early, saving time later
- Forms are pre-approved, so data can be submitted with confidence
Map of Form Builder
