How to implement collapsible panels in OutSystems for more compact interfaces?

Implementing Collapsible Panels in OutSystems for More Compact Interfaces

Creating collapsible panels in OutSystems can help optimize your application's user interface by making it more compact and user-friendly. This step-by-step guide will take you through implementing collapsible panels to allow users to expand and collapse content efficiently without overwhelming the display space.

Prerequisites

• Active OutSystems account and an associated project where you wish to implement collapsible panels.
• Basic familiarity with OutSystems platform interface and module design.
• General understanding of web development concepts, particularly around HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.

Understanding Collapsible Panels

• Collapsible panels, sometimes known as accordions, are UI components that allow sections of content to be hidden or displayed on demand.
• They help in managing content-heavy interfaces by allowing users to focus only on the sections they are interested in.

Setting Up a New Module in OutSystems

• Open your OutSystems Service Studio and navigate to the 'Applications' tab.
• Select or create a new application where you want to include collapsible panels.
• Create a new module or open an existing module to edit.

Creating Collapsible Panels

• In the Interface tab, drag and drop a 'Container' widget onto the screen where you want the collapsible panel to appear.
• Name the container appropriately to identify it as part of the collapsible panel.
• Add a Button or Link widget inside the container to act as the toggle control.
• Below the toggle control, place another 'Container' widget that will hold the collapsible content.

Styling the Panels

• Set CSS Classes: Assign CSS classes to your containers for distinction and easier management.
• Default State: You might initially hide the content container using CSS, depending on whether you want the panels to be collapsed upon viewing.
• Example CSS for hiding content:

      .hiddenContent {
        display: none;
      }
      

Using JavaScript for Panel Behavior

• Drag a 'JavaScript' property into your screen's preparation logic to manage the collapse and expand actions.
• Write JavaScript logic to toggle the display property of the content container:

• Bind the toggle function to the click event of the toggle control (Button or Link).

Testing and Optimization

• Use the '1-Click Publish' feature to deploy your application and see the collapsible panel in action.
• Test the panel behavior across different devices and screen sizes to ensure responsiveness and accessibility.
• Adjust CSS and JavaScript as needed to enhance interaction and style.

Advanced Configuration

• For more complex interactions, consider using JavaScript libraries or OutSystems Forge components if needed, such as jQuery UI or React-based solutions for richer UI experiences.
• Create reusable panel components if the functionality is to be used across multiple screens or modules.

By following these detailed steps, you can effectively incorporate collapsible panels into your OutSystems applications, making your interfaces more intuitive and user-friendly. This approach helps in maximizing screen space utility while maintaining a clean, organized appearance for users navigating your app.