Action-Based Navigation for Accessible Supply Chain Planning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing supply chain software is complex, distracting, and inaccessible, leading to inefficient navigation and user experience issues, particularly for specially-abled users, with limited guidance and high error rates.
Innovation Solution
A machine learning-based recommendation engine with a probabilistic matrix factorization algorithm provides a goal-oriented navigation system using a graphical user interface with keyboard shortcuts, natural language processing, and accessibility tools for guided navigation, enhancing usability and accessibility for all users.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If supply chain software provides comprehensive information and functionality, then the system capability is improved, but the complexity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the complex supply chain software interface into task-oriented action sequences. Instead of presenting all available information and functions simultaneously, the system divides the interface into discrete, guided steps that lead users through specific tasks (e.g., creating a supply chain plan, adjusting parameters). This segmentation reduces the perceived complexity while maintaining full system capability by revealing functionality progressively as users advance through task sequences.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary navigation layer that mediates between the user and the complex underlying system. This intermediary provides action-based guidance, contextual help, and structured task flows that translate comprehensive system capabilities into manageable user interactions. The intermediary absorbs the complexity of the full system while presenting a simplified, step-by-step interface to users.
2Adaptability or versatility
If supply chain software provides comprehensive information and functionality, then the system capability is improved, but the ease of operation worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-structuring task sequences and providing action-based guidance before users need to make decisions. The system prepares and presents the next appropriate action to users based on their current position in a task flow, eliminating the need for users to search through complex interfaces or determine their next steps. This preliminary structuring of actions significantly improves ease of operation while maintaining comprehensive system capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms that provide users with contextual guidance and confirmation at each step of task execution. The system monitors user progress and provides actionable feedback about what to do next, what has been completed, and how the current action contributes to the overall goal. This feedback loop makes the system easier to operate by reducing uncertainty and guiding users through complex functionality.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional mouse-based navigation is used, then the interface is simple to implement, but accessibility for specially-abled users deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing an action-based navigation system that functions equally well for all users regardless of their input method preferences or abilities. The system provides structured task guidance that can be accessed and executed through multiple interfaces (keyboard shortcuts, screen readers, mouse clicks), making it universally accessible. The core action-sequence framework remains the same while adapting to different user needs, thus improving accessibility without complicating the underlying implementation.
4Loss of information
If users are provided with all available information at once, then information completeness is improved, but user focus and task completion efficiency worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments information presentation into task-relevant portions displayed at appropriate times during the workflow. Instead of overwhelming users with all available information simultaneously, the system divides information into discrete chunks corresponding to specific task steps. Each segment presents only the information needed for the current action, maintaining information completeness while improving focus and efficiency by reducing cognitive load.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic information presentation that adapts to the user's progress through task sequences. The system dynamically adjusts what information is displayed based on the current step, providing contextual information when needed and hiding irrelevant information. This dynamic approach ensures information completeness is maintained while optimizing task completion efficiency by presenting information in a timely, relevant manner.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method are disclosed for predicting recommendations for a user interface. The method includes generating a graphical user interface that receives an input from a user of a client portal, crawling tasks associated with the user in the client portal, ranking the tasks according to an intent associated with the input from the user, fetching at least one task from the ranked tasks, calculating a quantity of steps to complete the task from the ranked tasks; identifying one or more slots used by the task in at least one step from the quantity of steps, and generating one or more recommendations comprising a subsequent action for the user to complete the task.