Interactive Flow Builder: Nodes Explained

Interactive Flow Builder: Nodes Explained

Nodes Explained

The Flow Editor is a flow-authoring tool for the creation of interactive flows. The interactive flow is built by connecting the different Nodes. The Nodes can contain text, images, PDFs, videos, and frontline.io 3D interactions. The Nodes are connected. Each Node can represent a step of the, for example, (end) procedure, training module, or troubleshooting document.

There are 7 types of Nodes:

  1. Start Node

  2. Instruction/ Step

  3. Question

  4. Multi-choice

  5. Warning

  6. Input

  7. Go To

  8. Switch Platform

  9. Object Detection

All Nodes can contain a Header, Description, Warning pop-ups, Media Elements, and 3D Interactions.

1. Start Node

The Start node is where your flow begins and is always there from the start. Nodes that are not connected to the start node will not be visible to the user when playing the flow in the app.

Plus, the Start node helps with the Pre-required procedure. Clicking on it lets you add another flow at the start. This means that if you remove parts of the digital twin in one flow, they'll also be gone in the new flow, saving you from doing it twice.

To add a pre-requisite procedure, simply click on the node. In the side menu, locate the "Pre-required Procedure" button. Click on the pen icon, then select the desired procedure from the opened window to add it. You can add as many procedures as you see fit to meet your needs.




2. Step Node (Basic Node)



Add the title to the Header, and explain the step in the Description. The text can be fully styled in the text fields. The Style option of the Node indicates the position of the Header and Description.




3. Question Node:



The Node has two connections, (default) No and Yes. The No and Yes text can be edited. Using this Node creates a split inside the flow. Selecting one of the connections defines the default flow (visible in the step viewer in preview mode)




4. Multi-Choice Node



The Node can create multiple connections. The connections show the selectable options. Selecting one of the connections defines the default flow (visible in the step viewer in preview mode)





Notes

Note: Use the On/Off option to see the connection labels.



5. Warning Node



The Node creates a warning inside the step flow. This is contrary to the Warning Pop-Up option available in every kind of Node. The Node has the default color red (editable).



6. Input Node



The Node requires input from the viewer of the training module or procedure. Inputs can be numbers, text, images, or barcodes. The inputs are viewed in the analytics after the completion of the training module or procedure..



7. Go To Node


The Node is for nesting. Selecting a different flow (procedure in this case) will open that procedure inside the current flow.


Notes

Note: only published flows can be nested.


8. Switch Platform


The Switch Platform node is designed to provide a dynamic, platform-specific experience in your interactive flows. It acts as a conditional question:
“Is this relevant for this platform?”

This means you can customize the flow so that different devices receive different instructions, ensuring a smooth and intuitive user experience.

How It Works:

  • The node determines the user’s platform (e.g., PC, AR, or MR devices).
  • Based on the platform, it controls what steps are displayed and how they are executed.

Example Use Case:

  • For MR/AR Devices: The step might instruct users to physically look at a real machine, guiding them through an interactive process.
  • For PC Users: Since they are viewing the content on a monitor, they don’t need to move. Instead, the next step can play automatically without requiring physical actions.

This ensures that users on different platforms receive the most relevant instructions for their environment, improving usability and engagement.


9. Object Detection


With the new addition to the Digital Twin Editor, users can now set up object detection for specific items in their digital twin. This allows the system to recognize and interact with selected objects dynamically within a flow.

Steps to Use the Object Target Node:

  1. Add the Object Target Node

    • Open your flow editor in the Digital Twin.
    • Drag and drop the Object Target Node into the flow.
  2. Define the Target Object

    • Select the node and choose the object you want to detect from the side panel. As you navigate through your targets, you’ll see the different object targets you’ve created for the Digital Twin linked to the flow.

That’s it! When the flow reaches this step, you’ll need to anchor to the required part before proceeding.

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