What is FOCUS?

FOCUS is a set of guidelines, a method of developing and designing FileMaker solutions and a starter file that will help get a project started.

Based upon the SESSION model, FOCUS has benefited from numerous discussions regarding models like Anchor-Buoy, Session, and hybrid models. However, the framework allows for a great deal of flexibility.

The FOCUS framework differs from other common models in that the layout of the graph and table occurrence implementation are from a ‘functional’ perspective, rather than that of an ‘entity’, or ‘anchor’ perspective. The FOCUS Training workshop will delve into much more detail.

FOCUS takes advantage of the freedom and flexibility that we have with FileMaker, especially with FileMaker 10’s features like saved finds and the customized tool bar. However because of our reliance on our User Interface, and upon ‘defining a focus’, we have to sometimes hide the Toolbar when it doesn’t make sense within our framework. Where appropriate and possible, we do allow FileMaker 10 native features to show through.

There are many approaches to designing and building FileMaker solutions. In our work, FOCUS has proven to be efficient and effective. FOCUS has also provided us with another very important aspect – that of shared responsibility and standardized approaches to FileMaker development.

In the FOCUS Training Workshop, we are happy to share this approach with you. Moreover, this is not the be all and end all of custom FileMaker development. However, in this workshop you will be exposed to advanced and cutting-edge thinking that will bring new insight, new methodologies, and expedient development skills to your FileMaker development experience.