Cross-Application Interface for Software Training

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users face challenges when learning new software applications due to unfamiliar environments, production bias, and assimilation bias, leading to a steep learning curve and underutilization of advanced features.

Innovation Solution

A cross-application interface that gradually introduces new functionalities by modifying a familiar user interface based on user behavior, aligning with the user's existing knowledge and biases, allowing incremental transition to a more advanced software application.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a user is presented with a completely new software application interface, then the user can access all advanced features and functionalities, but the learning curve becomes steep and user motivation decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess to advanced featuresVSAvoidlearning curve

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by pre-configuring a familiar user interface template before the user encounters the new software. This template is customized to gradually introduce new features while maintaining familiar layout and interaction patterns, allowing users to access advanced functionality without being overwhelmed by a completely new interface paradigm

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The user interface dynamically adapts its complexity and feature visibility based on user proficiency level. Initially, the interface presents a simplified familiar template with basic features prominently displayed. As users progress, the interface dynamically introduces advanced features and modifies the layout to resemble the target software more closely, creating a progressive learning path

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If a user is forced to learn unfamiliar tools and functions, then complete functionality can be achieved, but user productivity decreases due to time spent learning

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoidtime to become proficient

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies partial action by initially presenting only the essential familiar features needed for immediate productivity. Advanced features are introduced progressively as users demonstrate competence with basic functions. This allows users to become productive quickly with familiar tools while gradually accessing complete functionality without the pressure of learning everything at once

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The familiar user interface template serves as an intermediary between the user's existing knowledge and the new software's functionality. This intermediary layer maps familiar concepts to new features, allowing users to leverage existing mental models while progressively discovering advanced capabilities, thereby reducing the time required to achieve full productivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If a user relies on existing knowledge of other software applications, then the user can start working immediately, but the user may never learn the new tools or functions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimmediate usabilityVSAvoidlearning new functionalities

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback mechanisms that monitor user interactions with the familiar interface template. When users consistently use certain familiar patterns, the system provides targeted feedback introducing equivalent or superior features in the new software. This feedback loop encourages users to explore new functionalities by showing them practical benefits while respecting their preference for familiar interaction patterns

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The interface dynamically evolves from a familiar template to increasingly resemble the target software as users progress. Early in the interaction, the interface maintains high familiarity for immediate usability. As users demonstrate competence, the interface dynamically reconfigures to expose advanced features and adopt the target software's layout conventions, ensuring continuous learning without sacrificing usability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS11645942B2Cross-application interface that facilitates software application training

Publication Date: 2023.05.09 AUTODESK INC

AI summary

One embodiment of the present invention sets forth a technique for facilitating the learning of a new software application. The technique includes causing a first user interface to be displayed on a display, wherein the first user interface is based on a user interface associated with a first software application; receiving a user input via the first user interface from a user; determining a first function associated with a second software application that should be provided to the user based on the user input; and causing the first user interface and a portion of a second user interface associated with the second application and incorporated into the first user interface to be displayed on the display, wherein the portion of the second user interface provides the first function to the user to enable the user to perform one or more subsequent operations relative to the first function.