Implement Appointment Scheduling Feature for Nextcloud Calendar

[gseilheimer]

Is your feature request related to a problem? Please describe.

Currently, Nextcloud Calendar lacks a seamless method for creating and sharing appointment schedules directly from the calendar interface. Users often find it cumbersome to manage appointments efficiently without an integrated scheduling tool. This limitation can lead to confusion and extra administrative work, especially for those used to the functionality offered by platforms like Google Workspace.

Describe the solution you'd like

I would like to see an integrated feature in Nextcloud Calendar that allows users to:

1. Create a new appointment schedule directly within the calendar.
2. Enter details for the appointment such as date, time, and description.
3. Generate and share a reservation page link with others directly from the event in the calendar interface.
4. Display all reserved appointments automatically in the user’s calendar.
5. Send automatic calendar invitations via email to both the organizer and the attendees once an appointment is scheduled.

This feature should mimic the user-friendly process found in Google Workspace's appointment scheduling system, providing a streamlined and efficient way to handle appointments directly from the Nextcloud Calendar.

Describe alternatives you've considered

As an alternative, integrating third-party scheduling tools via plugins or APIs has been considered. However, this often requires additional configuration and maintenance, and might not provide as seamless an experience as a native feature.

Additional context

The inspiration for this feature comes from the appointment scheduling functionality provided by Google Workspace, which simplifies the process of managing appointments. You can see more about this feature here: [[Google Workspace Appointment Scheduling]([https://workspace.google.com/intl/de/resources/appointment-scheduling/].

This feature would significantly enhance the usability and efficiency of the Nextcloud Calendar for all users, particularly those in a professional or organizational context where scheduling is frequent.

[jcklpe]

This would be great. Microsoft already provides this for Outlook users with their Bookings product. Google Calendar is also trialing this feature. 

 

 

[viktorix]

@gseilheimer how is this feature different from Appointments added in v3 of the Calendar app?

https://docs.nextcloud.com/server/latest/user_manual/uk/groupware/calendar.html#appointments

[gseilheimer]

@gseilheimer how is this feature different from Appointments added in v3 of the Calendar app?

https://docs.nextcloud.com/server/latest/user_manual/uk/groupware/calendar.html#appointments

Here are the relevant features from Google Appointment Scheduling that we might consider incorporating into our Nextcloud Calendar v3 to enhance its functionality:

Formatting Options in the Description Text

• Google Appointment Scheduling allows extensive formatting options in the description text. This facilitates the integration of links for Zoom meetings and other multimedia content, significantly improving usability.

Customizable Form Fields to Accommodate Client Requests

• Google Appointment Scheduling offers customizable form fields that enable the collection of specific client requests and requirements directly at the time of booking. This improves customer interaction and aids in preparing for the appointment.

Limiting the Number of Appointments Per Day

• Google Appointment Scheduling enables control over the maximum number of appointments per day. This feature helps prevent overbooking and ensures that the provider manages their capacities efficiently.

For details and examples of these features, please visit this link: Google Appointment Scheduling