Interactive GUI for Application Configuration via Context-Aware Filtering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Configuring complex applications with numerous options, such as benefits programs, requires users to navigate multiple menus and pages, making the process cumbersome and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
An interactive graphical user interface that presents configurable options based on prior configurations, using a configuration engine to select and display only relevant options, and visually indicate completion of configurations through modified icons.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If all configurable options are displayed in the GUI, then users have access to complete configuration capabilities, but the interface becomes cluttered and difficult to navigate
Solution Approach 1:
The configuration options are segmented into multiple categories or groups (e.g., basic settings, advanced settings, optional features). The GUI displays only the relevant segment based on the current configuration context, while other segments remain hidden or collapsed. This allows users to access complete configuration capabilities through multiple steps without being overwhelmed by all options simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The GUI dynamically adjusts which configuration options are displayed based on the current configuration state and user selections. As users make configuration choices, the interface automatically updates to show only the next relevant set of options, creating a dynamic, context-aware display that adapts to the configuration progress and reduces clutter.
2Adaptability or versatility
If users must manually navigate through multiple menus to find configuration options, then all options can be organized comprehensively, but the configuration process becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-calculating and pre-organizing configuration options based on the current configuration state. Before the user needs to make a selection, the GUI has already prepared and displayed the relevant next-step options, eliminating the need for users to manually search through multiple menus and saving configuration time.
Solution Approach 2:
The GUI implements feedback mechanisms that monitor user configuration progress and automatically adjust the displayed options accordingly. As users complete configuration steps, the system provides feedback by updating the interface to show the next relevant options, creating a guided workflow that reduces navigation time while maintaining comprehensive configuration coverage.
3Ease of operation
If the GUI displays only a subset of configurable options, then the interface is less cluttered and easier to navigate, but users may miss relevant configuration options
Solution Approach 1:
The GUI uses a nested structure where configuration options are organized in hierarchical levels. The current view displays a subset of options at the appropriate nesting level, while other options remain nested within parent categories. Users can access hidden options by expanding parent categories or navigating through the hierarchical structure, ensuring no configuration options are lost while maintaining a clean interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary mechanism (such as a configuration engine or smart filter) that acts as a mediator between the complete set of configuration options and the user interface. This intermediary intelligently selects and presents the relevant subset of options based on the current configuration context, ensuring users see only what they need while preserving access to all options through the intermediary's control logic.
Data Source
AI summary
An interactive graphical user interface (GUI) to guide configuration of an application is disclosed. A GUI receives user input comprising dragging and dropping an icon representing a particular configurable option into a configuration region of the GUI. The drag-and-drop user input indicates a selection of the particular configurable option. The GUI receives, through one or more interface elements, user input configuring the particular configurable option. The user input provides a context for which additional configurable options are presented to the user. Based on the context, a configuration engine selects only a subset of configurable options that are associated with the particular configurable option for presentation to a user. A GUI displays icons representing the selected subset of configurable options, but not icons representing the non-selected subset of configurable options.