Graphical user interfaces for defining complex data objects

A method, comprising:

• receiving, via a processor, at a first graphical user interface (GUI), first inputs defining a complex data object, wherein the complex data object comprises a hierarchy of elements, wherein each element of the hierarchy of elements is of one of a plurality of primitive data types or of one of a plurality of compound data types, wherein each of the plurality of compound data types comprises a plurality of subelements, wherein each of the plurality of subelements is of one of the plurality of primitive data types;
• receiving, via the processor, at a second GUI, second inputs defining an action that utilizes the complex data object as an input or an output within a workflow;
• and
• storing, via the processor, a definition of the complex data object, the action, and the workflow in a persistent storage.

A persistent storage, comprising computer-executable instructions that, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform operations comprising:

• receiving, via a first graphical user interface (GUI), first inputs defining a complex data object, wherein the complex data object comprises a hierarchy of elements, wherein each element of the hierarchy of elements is of one of a plurality of primitive data types or of one of a plurality of compound data types, wherein each of the plurality of compound data types comprises a plurality of subelements, wherein each of the plurality of subelements is of one of the plurality of primitive data types;
• receiving, via a second GUI, second inputs defining an action that utilizes the complex data object as an input or an output within a workflow;
• and
• storing a definition of the complex data object, the action, and the workflow in the persistent storage.