Overview
The document builder puts control back in the hands of business teams. They can shape the look and wording of documents, while the system makes sure the right data appears in the right place, every time.
Context and constraints
The company produced many types of documents — from offers to formal letters — that all pulled from the same underlying data. Small copy updates were common, but the risk of breaking data connections or creating inconsistent layouts was high. We had to design something that felt easy to use, yet still respected the rules of the underlying systems.
How we approached it
We created a document builder that feels like a simple design tool: users can add sections, move elements around, and pick data fields from a clear list. Behind the scenes, every “placeholder” in the template is tied to real data in a safe, predictable way. Before anything goes live, the system walks users through a preview and basic checks, so errors are caught early.
What we built
- A drag-and-drop editor where users can arrange text, images, and sections without code.
- A guided way to insert data fields into documents, using a safe, approved list of placeholders.
- Smart placeholders that change slightly based on the situation, so templates remain flexible without becoming messy.
- Preview and validation screens that show exactly how a document will look with real or sample data before publishing.
- A simple workflow for drafts, reviews, and approvals so teams stay aligned on what is live.
Key capabilities
- Non-technical users can own and update document layouts and content.
- Data fields are controlled and reusable, reducing copy-paste mistakes and mismatches.
- Teams catch layout and data issues earlier with built-in previews.
- Routine document changes no longer need a development cycle.
Implementation notes
- We kept the interface familiar by borrowing patterns from common design tools.
- We connected the editor to stable data sources, so changing text does not break the underlying data links.
- We built it with multiple document types in mind, so new use cases can be added over time.
Outcome notes
- Business teams can respond faster to market or policy changes with updated documents.
- Document quality and consistency improved thanks to reusable blocks and clearer data connections.
- The organization now has a reusable way to generate documents wherever they are needed.
Key outcomes
Technologies