686 Form Renderer POC: A Step-by-Step Guide

Hey guys! Let's dive into the initial Proof of Concept (POC) for the renderer bundle for the 686 dependency form. This is a crucial step for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and VA.gov team, ensuring we can effectively handle and display these forms. This article will walk you through the user need, description, tasks, acceptance criteria, and definition of done for this project. We’ll also cover the refinement checklist to ensure we're all on the same page.

User Need

As an engineer, the primary user need driving this initiative is to create a works-like prototype of the renderer bundle for Form 686. This prototype will allow us to validate the core concept and foster collaboration with the design team. Imagine being able to quickly see how the form will look and function – that's the goal here! We need to ensure that our technical implementation aligns perfectly with the design vision, making the user experience seamless and intuitive. This initial prototype is not just about writing code; it's about laying a strong foundation for future development and ensuring we can iterate effectively based on feedback and testing. By having a tangible prototype, we can also identify potential challenges early on, whether they relate to data transformation, rendering performance, or user interface considerations. This proactive approach helps us avoid costly rework later in the development cycle. Furthermore, a well-crafted prototype serves as a powerful communication tool, allowing engineers, designers, and stakeholders to discuss and refine the form's functionality and appearance collaboratively.

Description

This ticket is all about building that initial Proof of Concept (POC) of the renderer bundle for the 686 dependency form. Now, let's be clear: the aim here isn't final visuals. We're focusing on a works-like prototype that demonstrates our ability to classify and render the form structure and inputs accurately. This is a foundational piece that leverages the single-spa microfrontend setup, which gives us the flexibility and modularity we need. This POC is like the first draft of a critical document – it needs to be comprehensive enough to convey the core ideas but doesn't need to be polished to perfection. It's about getting the key elements in place and ensuring they function as expected. One of the critical dependencies for this task is Jessica’s v1 layout work (referenced as #117160). This layout serves as the blueprint for our rendering efforts, guiding how we structure the form elements and ensure they align with the design specifications. The engineering work involved here is multifaceted. First, we need to transform the JSON form data into a layout that mirrors the initial design. This transformation process involves mapping data fields to UI components, ensuring that each element is correctly positioned and styled according to the design. Secondly, we need to choose a rendering approach. Should we use a markdown viewer, Tailwind components, or something else? This decision will significantly impact the performance, maintainability, and visual consistency of the form. The goal of this POC is to create something sufficient for a “show + tell” session, sparking meaningful collaboration among the team. We want to get everyone involved, sharing their insights and ideas to refine the renderer bundle further. This collaborative approach ensures that we build a solution that meets the needs of all stakeholders, including end-users.

Tasks

To achieve our goal, we have several key tasks to tackle:

• Connect 686 JSON form data to renderer bundle: This is the first step, ensuring our renderer can access and utilize the form data. We need to establish a clear and reliable data pipeline that feeds the necessary information to the rendering engine. This involves understanding the structure of the JSON data, identifying the key fields and their relationships, and writing code to extract and transform the data into a format suitable for rendering. This task is crucial because it sets the stage for all subsequent steps. If we can't reliably connect the data, we can't render the form.
• Render a minimal but functional version of the 686 layout: We need to see the layout come to life, even in a basic form. This task is about translating the design specifications into a tangible visual representation. We need to create the core components and elements of the form, ensuring they are correctly positioned and styled. While this version may not have all the bells and whistles of the final product, it should be functional enough to demonstrate the overall structure and flow of the form. This step is vital for validating our approach and identifying potential layout issues early on.
• Evaluate rendering options (markdown viewer vs Tailwind components, etc.): Choosing the right rendering technology is critical for performance and maintainability. We need to weigh the pros and cons of different approaches, considering factors like rendering speed, code complexity, and visual consistency. A markdown viewer might be a simple and quick solution for initial rendering, but it may not offer the flexibility and control we need for more complex form elements. On the other hand, Tailwind components offer a more robust and customizable approach but may require more development effort. This evaluation process is crucial for making an informed decision that aligns with the project's long-term goals.
• Demo the POC for the team and stakeholders: Sharing our progress and gathering feedback is essential. This task involves preparing a presentation that showcases the POC's capabilities and limitations. We need to walk the team and stakeholders through the rendered form, highlighting the key features and functionalities. This demo is not just about showing off what we've built; it's about sparking a conversation and gathering valuable input that will shape the next iteration of the renderer bundle. Feedback from designers, product managers, and end-users is invaluable for ensuring that we are building a solution that meets everyone's needs.

Acceptance Criteria

To ensure our POC is successful, we have specific acceptance criteria to meet:

• Prototype renders 686 JSON into a usable layout: This is the core requirement. Our prototype must be able to take the JSON form data and transform it into a layout that users can interact with. This means that the form elements should be correctly positioned, styled, and functional. Users should be able to navigate through the form, fill out the fields, and submit the data. A usable layout is not just about aesthetics; it's about ensuring that the form is intuitive and easy to use.
• Rendering approach documented with rationale: We need to explain our choice of rendering technology and why we believe it's the best fit for this project. This documentation should include a detailed comparison of the options we considered, highlighting the pros and cons of each. It should also explain the factors that influenced our decision, such as performance requirements, maintainability considerations, and team expertise. Documenting our rationale ensures that our decisions are transparent and justifiable.
• Demo completed with team feedback captured: We need to conduct a thorough demo of the POC and gather feedback from the team and stakeholders. This feedback should be documented and used to inform the next iteration of the renderer bundle. The demo should be interactive, allowing participants to explore the rendered form and provide specific suggestions for improvement. Capturing feedback is not just about noting down comments; it's about actively listening to concerns, identifying recurring themes, and prioritizing changes based on their impact and feasibility.
• Foundation in place for iteration toward production renderer: The POC should serve as a solid foundation for future development. This means that the codebase should be well-structured, modular, and easy to extend. We should have established clear patterns and conventions for data transformation, rendering, and component creation. The POC should also include basic testing and error handling to ensure that the system is robust and reliable. A strong foundation is essential for ensuring that we can iterate quickly and effectively, building a production-ready renderer that meets the needs of the VA and its users.

Definition of Done

To officially mark this task as complete, we have a clear Definition of Done:

• Meets acceptance criteria: First and foremost, all acceptance criteria must be fully satisfied. This is the baseline requirement for considering the task complete. Each criterion represents a specific aspect of the POC, and meeting them ensures that we have achieved the desired outcomes.
• Passed all testing coverage: We need to ensure that the code is thoroughly tested, covering all critical functionalities and edge cases. This includes unit tests, integration tests, and end-to-end tests. Testing coverage should be comprehensive, providing confidence that the system is robust and reliable. Passing all tests is not just about eliminating bugs; it's about validating the correctness of the code and ensuring that it behaves as expected under different conditions.
• Logging and monitoring in place: We need to implement logging and monitoring mechanisms to track the performance and behavior of the renderer. This includes logging key events, errors, and performance metrics. Monitoring should be set up to alert us to potential issues and provide insights into the system's overall health. Logging and monitoring are essential for maintaining the system in production, allowing us to quickly diagnose and resolve problems.
• Code or content reviewed (Internal): The code and content should be reviewed by other team members to ensure quality and consistency. This includes checking for code style, readability, and adherence to best practices. Code reviews are a crucial part of the development process, helping to identify potential issues and improve the overall quality of the codebase.
• Reviewed and approved by product and/or design: Finally, the POC needs to be reviewed and approved by the product and/or design teams. This ensures that the solution meets the requirements and aligns with the overall product vision. This review is not just a formality; it's an opportunity for stakeholders to provide feedback and ensure that the POC is fit for its intended purpose.

Refinement Checklist!

Before we dive in, let’s make sure we’ve covered all our bases with the Refinement Checklist:

• [x] Add description, tasks, and acceptance criteria
• [x] Add estimate
• [x] Add the proper labels, team, and priority
• [x] Add an Epic or Super Epic

Alright guys, that’s the plan! Let’s build this thing!