Dynamic UI Control Surfacing for Workflow Adaptability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional applications overwhelm users with numerous options and unclear naming conventions, making it difficult for them to navigate and complete workflows, especially for beginners.
Innovation Solution
An application management system that assigns weights to workflow steps, initially hiding optional steps and gradually revealing them as the user becomes more familiar, providing a guided workflow experience by dynamically modifying the displayed steps based on user interaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If all workflow options are displayed to users initially, then users have access to complete functionality, but users experience confusion and difficulty navigating the interface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the workflow options into different categories (required steps, optional steps, advanced features) and displays them in a hierarchical manner. Required steps are shown first to guide users through essential tasks, while optional and advanced features are hidden or collapsed to reduce clutter. This segmentation allows users to access complete functionality when needed while maintaining a clean, navigable interface for basic operations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional applications group all workflow options into menus and toolbars, then all options are accessible, but users still experience confusion due to unfamiliar options
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring the interface to show only the essential workflow steps that users need to complete basic tasks. Optional steps and advanced features are prepared but hidden by default. As users progress through the workflow or demonstrate familiarity with certain features, the system dynamically reveals additional options. This preliminary configuration reduces initial confusion while maintaining full functionality availability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If applications provide comprehensive workflow options, then users can perform advanced operations, but beginners find it difficult to identify which options to choose
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing different levels of information and options to different users based on their skill level and usage patterns. For beginners, the interface presents simplified views with clearly labeled required steps and minimal distractions. As users gain experience or when they explicitly seek advanced features, the system locally adapts by revealing additional options and more detailed controls. This local customization makes option identification easier for each user's current needs while preserving comprehensive workflow capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for dynamically surfacing user interface controls in a workflow. In particular, one or more embodiments determine which steps of a workflow to display with the workflow. One or more embodiments assign weights or scores to each step of the workflow based on whether the step is a required step or an optional step. One or more embodiments use the assigned weights to determine which steps to display with the workflow in a graphical user interface based on whether the assigned weights meet a predetermined threshold. Additionally, one or more embodiments track user interactions with commands in the client application and increase weights of steps associated with the commands to dynamically display steps when the increased weights of the steps meet the predetermined threshold.