I asked ChatGPT to help me design a web application that allows users to input structured window and door information, and I asked it to provide a thinking framework for the system.
🧠 Framework for Web-Based Component Ordering System (For APL Window/Door Fabricators)#
1. 📅 WHO & WHY#
| Dimension |
Content |
| 💼 You are |
APL authorized fabricator using Soft Tech V6 |
| 🌟 Goal |
Build a customer-facing web ordering form for window/door products |
| 👥 Users |
Builders, sales reps, site managers, clients |
| ⚖️ User Needs |
Fast quoting, error-proof selection, intuitive structured input |
2. 🔄 System Architecture#
Layered Structure:#
| Layer |
Purpose |
Domain Knowledge Required |
| Web Frontend |
Structured form UI to collect order data |
❌ No |
| Soft Tech V6 Backend |
Modeling, pricing, production logic |
✅ Yes |
3. 📁 Data Abstraction#
- Frame Code (V1, V12, A3…) as primary selector
- Field Groups:
- Dimensions
- Glass
- Colour
- Hardware
- Accessories
Logic Inclusions:#
- Allowed fields per Frame Code
- Field dependencies (e.g. frame type determines opening direction)
- Field value limits and defaults
4. 🎭 UI/UX Principles#
| Priority Level |
Strategy |
| 🥇 Highest |
Logical clarity: Group fields cleanly, label clearly |
| 🥈 Medium |
Input validation and real-time error blocking |
| 🥉 Lowest |
Fancy animations or complex transitions |
Recommended UI Style:#
- Two-column form layout
- FrameCode-based field filtering
- Diagram image (static reference only)
5. 📂 Data Source Strategy#
| Source |
Use |
| V6 Interface (manual) |
Observe field structure, dependencies, default values |
| V6 Admin Export (if any) |
Export Frame list, field types, options |
| APL Product Manuals |
Provide diagram/images per FrameCode |
| Soft Tech Web API |
(Advanced) Query model structure programmatically |
6. 📊 Output Design#
| Format |
Purpose |
| JSON |
System input / future API usage |
| Excel/CSV |
Factory-side V6 import |
| Image |
Structure diagram (optional) |
7. ✅ MVP to Full Product Roadmap#
| Stage |
Scope |
Complexity |
| MVP |
Form + JSON/Excel export |
❌ Low |
| V1 |
Field validation + auto-template logic |
⚠️ Medium |
| V2 |
Backend V6/ERP integration |
✅ High |
| V3 |
Live modeling preview / BIM data sync |
🚀 Very High |
📆 Summary:#
Build the frontend as a mirror of V6 logic, with strong structure, clarity, and field control. No domain knowledge is required if FrameCode-based structure is used as the foundation.