Proposal: Add preliminary submission to the Form Builder

Overview

For longer and more complex forms, users may want to extend the process of filling out a submission form across several browser sessions. Therefore, it would be great to be able to submit/save a partially completed form as a preliminary submission and finalise the data later. Complex forms, such as grant applications, could be started and then completed when all the required information is collected. We would suggest adding a "Continue Later" or "Preliminary Submission" button to allow submissions even if not all required fields are filled in.

There would be 2 options for handling the pre-submitted data.

Option 1: The data will be saved in a submission log, but not yet processed in CiviCRM. Using a unique identifier for the submission entry as an URL parameter will  load the data from the submission log into the form.

Option 2: Data is processed and stored directly in CiviCRM, meaning contacts, cases or other entities are already created or updated. The form can be edited later using URL parameters and retrieval of defaults.

The user receives a personalised link that allows them to continue with the form. This means that fields such as an email address must be marked as 'required for preliminary submission'. We suggest that this additional option for any input field is only displayed if a "continue later" button is added to the form itself.

At our CiviSprint in Zeitz, Germany, there was a preference for the second option by clients who wanted to use this functionality for their grant application process. It is helpful for clients to be able to see a partially submitted application in order to support the applicant during the application process.

Example use-case

1. Add an additional button called 'Resume later'.
2. This adds the option on each field to be 'required for preliminary submission'.

Current behaviour

• When a form is submitted, all required fields have to be filled.

Proposed behaviour

• There is a new button that allows a (preliminary) submission even if not all required fields are filled.
• Fields can be marked as be required when the new button is triggered.
• A personalised link is sent to the user, which allows to reopen the form with the pre-filled data.