Browser Add-On Task Reminder System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Business enterprises face challenges in effectively reminding employees of uncompleted tasks and providing access to associated web-based applications through web browsers, as existing systems lack a centralized method to track and remind employees of due dates and task completion status across multiple platforms.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes a task reminder server and a user computing device with a web browser add-on, which identifies uncompleted tasks via a user identifier, generates and transmits URLs to the web browser to open relevant task applications in new tabs or windows, and updates the task status database upon completion, ensuring timely reminders and access to assigned tasks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If email reminders are sent to employees about uncompleted tasks, then employees are notified of due dates, but employees may still miss tasks and there is no direct access to task applications
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the task reminder function from general email notifications by implementing a dedicated browser add-on that specifically targets task-related web pages. This add-on intercepts email reminders and automatically navigates to the corresponding task applications, separating the notification function from the general email system and providing specialized access to task management resources.
Solution Approach 2:
The browser add-on acts as an intermediary between email reminders and task applications. When an employee receives an email reminder about an uncompleted task, the add-on intercepts this notification and automatically opens the relevant task application in the web browser, serving as a mediator that bridges the gap between passive notification and active task access.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple browser windows are opened for different web pages, then users can access multiple applications, but it becomes difficult to manage and switch between them
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges multiple task-related web pages into a single browser window by utilizing the browser's tab functionality. Instead of opening separate windows for each task application or web page, the browser add-on opens tabs within the existing browser window, allowing employees to access multiple task-related resources while maintaining a unified view and simplified window management.
Solution Approach 2:
The browser add-on provides universal access to multiple task applications through a single interface. It integrates with the existing web browser to provide a multi-functional tool that can open and manage various task-related web pages, email reminders, and application links within one browser environment, eliminating the need for separate applications or windows for each function.
3Reliability
If a centralized task tracking system is implemented, then task completion status can be monitored, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service task tracking by leveraging existing enterprise systems and databases. The browser add-on automatically queries the existing task management database for uncompleted tasks associated with the employee's identifier, and the system automatically updates task completion status when employees complete tasks. This self-service approach eliminates the need for a completely new centralized tracking system while maintaining reliable task monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The browser add-on serves as a lightweight intermediary that connects to existing enterprise databases and task management systems. Rather than implementing a complex centralized tracking system from scratch, the add-on mediates between the employee's browser and the existing task database, automatically retrieving task information and updating status, thereby maintaining reliability while minimizing system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A server computer receives a user identifier from a user computer web browser program. The server computer identifies one or more uncompleted tasks associated with the user identifier that can be completed from the user computer via the user computer web browser program. The server computer then transmits to the user computer one or more universal resource locators (URLs) associated with the one or more uncompleted task, and the user computer provides access to the web pages referenced by the one or more URLs via the user computer web browser program. In certain embodiments, the server computer identifies the one or more uncompleted tasks by accessing a database that includes uncompleted tasks by user identifier and a URL associated with each uncompleted task. In other embodiments, the server updates the database when an uncompleted task associated with a user identifier is completed.