Administrator Configurable Gadget Directory for Start Pages
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for customizing syndicated content documents, such as start pages, require administrators to contact the content document provider to add or remove modules, leading to delays and limited user access to available modules.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that allows administrators to self-administer the directory of available modules on a group's syndicated content document, enabling them to select criteria for inclusion or exclusion of modules, which are then stored and immediately applied, allowing users to access a customized list of modules without needing to contact the provider.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If administrators contact the content document provider to add or remove modules, then module customization is achieved, but administrative delays occur and user access to available modules is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables administrators to self-configure the directory of modules available to users by directly selecting and deselecting modules from a universe of available modules. This self-service capability eliminates the need to contact the content document provider for customization, allowing immediate configuration changes without administrative delays.
Solution Approach 2:
The content document provider pre-provides a universe of available modules that administrators can choose from. This preliminary preparation of the module universe allows administrators to perform immediate customization by selecting from pre-available options, rather than waiting for provider intervention to make modules available.
2Ease of operation
If administrators contact the content document provider to customize modules, then module selection is controlled, but the process is not instantaneous and may take days to take effect
Solution Approach 1:
Administrators directly control module selection through a self-service interface that allows them to add or remove modules from the directory immediately. This eliminates the intermediary step of contacting the provider, making the customization process both easy to operate and instantaneous in implementation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides immediate feedback when administrators modify the module directory configuration. Changes are applied instantly and reflected in the user interface without delay, allowing administrators to verify their selections immediately and understand the direct impact of their configuration choices.
3Device complexity
If a small number of modules are made available on default content documents, then system control is maintained, but user access to available modules is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The module directory is segmented into a controlled universe of modules provided by the content document provider and a configurable subset that administrators can select for users. This segmentation maintains system control over the overall module ecosystem while allowing flexible user access to relevant modules through administrator configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The module directory configuration is dynamic rather than static. Administrators can modify the available modules at any time based on user needs and organizational requirements, allowing the system to adapt between maintaining control and providing access without being fixed in either extreme.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of facilitating the self-administration of a directory of available modules on a group's syndicated customizable content document or start page is presented. The method includes presenting an initial list of modules to an administrator of a group, enabling the administrator to identify module selection information that identifies criteria for inclusion and/or exclusion of one or more modules in a directory, and storing the module selection information identified by the administrator. When a user of the group accesses a customized content document, the user is presented with a modified list of available modules based on the module selection information. Using this method, the administrator is capable of excluding modules from a global list, including only a specific subset of modules, or a combination of both. A system of carrying out the method is also presented.