Custom Freeform Matching Drag and Drop

Hi Arhip,

The freefrom drag and drop question should still have the same options in terms of snapping the item as shown here:

Have you looked at using those items? 

I have but nothing I try seems to move a button automatically to a free space.

Hi Arhip

It sounds like you need to tick 'Allow only one item in each drop target' within the drag and drop options. That way, if you drag a 2nd box in, it automatically moves the original box back out.

Hope this helps

Hi Chris.

I do have that box checked. The boxes always seem to go back to their starting spots. I have unchecked "Return item to start point if dropped outside .... any drop target" but it still happens. For example, if I match each of the drag items to a drop target, then decide to change my answer and move a drag item to a different drop target, the newly moved drag item will snap into place but the old drag item gets kicked out and moves back to it's original starting point. It does not fill in the blank space. Does that makes sense?

I feel like I have tried everything. Maybe this simply can't be done? But then, how does the Graded matching drag and drop work?

Hi Arhip,

This sounds like it's working as expected. If you move a drag item into a box where there is already an answer, the other answer as you have it set up is kicked out back to it's starting point and therefore the user will have to drag it again to a new location. The only drag question types that would keep it within a potential answer location are questions like sequence drag and drop where they are already set in that location and just being dragged within the list. 

You may want to share a sample file here with some directions on what you'd like to set up so that the community could weigh in on potential ways to set this up. 

Hi Ashley,

Yes, what you said in your above statement is correct and that it is working like it's supposed to. The one issue I'm having, though, is when the user will move a drag item to a box where there is already an answer, the answer will move back to its starting point. BUT, most of the time that kicked out answer will be behind another answer so it is hard to see (see my attached "Matching_one_item.jpg" file in the first post). What I'm struggling with is to find a way to have that kicked out answer fill the empty space when it is kicked out and NOT go it its starting point, just like it does in the Graded matching drag and drop question. Is there a way to have it do that?

Will the files I've attached in my very first post not work for the community to weigh in?

Hi Arhip,

Yes, those files will work fine for the community to look at - I think I forgot about them when reading this thread as they weren't right in front of me. :-)  I'll defer to them, as I don't know a way to make it go to another location, not it's starting point. 

There wasn't a JPG attached to this most recent post, so if you'd like to add that here please feel free. 

Hi Arhip

I've never been able to recreate the exact function of the Matching Drag & Drop using a freeform question because, as Ashley says, the drag items will always snap back to their original position.

With this in mind, if we are building this type of slide we rearrange the original positions slightly so the drag items are initially shown away from the area of the screen taken up by the targets - often underneath or to the side.

You can choose to lay each drag item out, or if there isn't enough space to have the fixed portion, the targets AND the drag items laid out we put all the drag items in one spot and you can consider them one at a t time. If you choose to replace an item it will snap back to the original position and it is offered again for reconsideration.

I've attached a quick example of both layouts for you to see.

Cheers

Helen

Thanks for sharing Helen, both great ideas!

Hi, Tracey -- Thanks so much for reaching out here, and first, I thought I would note that as this is an older discussion, Arhip or other participants may no longer be subscribed. If you'd like to reach someone directly, you are welcome to use the 'Contact Me' link on their profile page. And if there is certain functionality you would like to see made available, you are welcome to use this form to share your thoughts with our Product team here. 

Hi, Tracey.

I ended up doing what Helen Tyson suggested, slightly moving the starting position away from the final matching position. That way if you place a drag item over one that is still in its starting position or even replace your choice, you are still able to see a drag item that has not been moved yet. See photos attached.

Also, Helen's other solution is good one; putting all of the drag items in one spot so the user has to consider them one at a time. See her .story file. Really good example.