SOFTFORM - A TWO DIMENSIONAL INTERACTIVE FORM DESIGN LANGUAGE.

Abstract

A two-dimensional, interactive form design language is described. The underlying principle is based on a data model of forms, which has been derived from observation and analysis of softform capabilities. The language not only mimics the traditional what-you-see-is-what-you-get form design process, but also utilizes form-filling as the mechanism of layout and semantics specification. To most conventional designers, this combination is a natural way of computer-aided form design. Dynamically expandable forms, which are impossible for paper forms, are also supported by the language.