Overview

I would like to propose a feature enhancement for Airtable forms that enables users to create multiple records within a single form submission. This feature would allow users to:

• Specify the number of records they wish to create upfront.
• Dynamically add or remove record sections while filling out the form.
• Prefill certain fields in subsequent records based on the initial input.

This functionality would streamline data entry processes, reduce repetitive tasks, and improve overall efficiency.

Feature Details

1. Multi-Record Form Creation

   • Activation Toggle: In the form builder, introduce a toggle option labeled "Enable Multi-Record Submission." When activated, this allows the form to accept multiple records in one submission.

   • Record Count Specification: Provide an option at the beginning of the form for users to specify the number of records they intend to submit. The form dynamically generates the corresponding number of record sections.

   • Dynamic Record Sections: Include a "+" (add) and "–" (remove) button within the form interface, allowing users to add or remove record sections as needed while filling out the form.

2. Prefilled Fields for Subsequent Records

   • Form Builder Settings: In the form design phase, allow creators to designate certain fields as "Prefilled in Subsequent Records." These fields will automatically carry over the input from the first record to all following records.

   • Editable Prefilled Fields: Users can choose to retain the prefilled data or modify it in subsequent records if necessary.

   • Field Grouping: Organize fields into groups where certain groups can be set to prefill, enhancing clarity and ease of use.

3. User Interface Enhancements

   • Section Headers: Clearly label each record section (e.g., "Record 1," "Record 2") to help users navigate through multiple entries.

   • Collapsible Sections: Allow users to collapse or expand record sections to manage form length and focus on one record at a time.

   • Progress Indicators: Include a progress bar or step indicator when a large number of records are being added, enhancing user awareness of their progress.

4. Validation and Submission

   • Unified Validation: Perform validation checks across all record sections before allowing submission, ensuring all required fields are completed.

   • Error Highlighting: If there are validation errors, highlight the specific fields and sections that require attention.

   • Submission Confirmation: After successful submission, provide a summary of all records created for user confirmation.

Benefits

• Increased Efficiency: Reduces the time and effort required to input multiple records by eliminating the need to submit separate forms for each entry.

• Enhanced Data Consistency: Prefilling fields minimizes the risk of data entry errors and ensures uniformity across related records.

• Improved User Experience: A dynamic and responsive form interface makes data entry more intuitive and less cumbersome for users.

Use Cases

• Educational Institutions: Teachers entering grades or comments for multiple students can do so in one form submission.

• Event Management: Organizers can register multiple attendees or participants simultaneously, with shared details like event dates and locations prefilled.

• Inventory Management: Businesses can add multiple new products or stock items that share common attributes such as supplier information or category.

• Survey Responses: Researchers collecting multiple responses from a single source can input all data in one streamlined process.

Implementation Considerations

• Compatibility: Ensure that the multi-record form feature is compatible with existing Airtable functionalities, such as automation triggers and integrations.

• Performance: Optimize form performance to handle multiple records without compromising load times or responsiveness.

• Accessibility: Design the feature to be accessible to all users, adhering to web accessibility standards.

Conclusion

Introducing a multi-record form submission feature with the ability to prefill fields would significantly enhance Airtable's utility for users who frequently input multiple records with shared data. This enhancement aligns with Airtable's mission to provide flexible and user-friendly tools for managing information.

I believe this feature would be a valuable addition to the platform and would greatly benefit a wide range of users and use cases.