Two approaches to editing existing sources + one approach to creating new widgets from scratch. Click any card to view the interactive wireframe.
Kill the modal entirely. Source settings expand inline in the right panel using collapsible sections. Chart stays fully visible. Single save button.
Lowest friction · No context switchKeep the modal, but: tabs-only (no wizard Next), merge Notifications into Settings, add search to device picker, add colour preview bar. Two-level save with visible "unsaved" badge.
Lower risk · Closest to current codeThree entry points: from scratch, template (8 ready-made layouts with baked-in settings), or copy widget. Intuitive + Advanced modes. Live preview updates instantly.
Templates · Copy · Intuitive + Advanced| Dimension | A — Inline panel | B — Streamlined modal | C — Guided wizard |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary use case | Editing existing sources | Editing existing sources | Creating a new widget from scratch |
| When changes persist | On "Save widget" click | "Done" stages → "Save widget" persists | "Add to dashboard" at the end of wizard |
| Cognitive load | Medium — all sections visible | Medium — tabs + settings | Low — one question at a time |
| Start options | — | — | Scratch · 8 templates · copy existing widget |
| Time to first widget | Requires understanding panel structure | Requires knowing which tab has what | ~30 seconds, zero prior knowledge |
| Power users | Fast once learned — no context switch | Familiar modal pattern | Advanced mode: one screen, ⌘+Enter to add |
| Live preview | Chart visible alongside | Chart dimmed behind modal | Preview builds up in real-time |
| Implementation cost | Medium — refactor panel | Low — iterate on existing modal | Medium — new flow but isolated scope |