Interactive Tutorial Triggering via Deep Linking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face disruptions in their workflow and increased computational resource usage when trying to learn how to perform complex functions in software applications, as they often need to toggle between the application and a web browser to find tutorials, leading to a fragmented learning experience and inefficient use of screen space.
Innovation Solution
A method that allows users to initiate a seamless, interactive tutorial session within a first executing application via an interaction within a second executing application, enabling users to receive guidance directly within the application without leaving their workflow, by selecting a GUI element that triggers an interactive tutorial session within the application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If users open a browser application to find tutorials and toggle between applications to learn functions, then users can access tutorial information, but user experience is disrupted and computational resources are negatively impacted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the tutorial information delivery into the target application itself by having the application launch and present tutorial content directly within its own interface. This combines the functionality of the browser (information delivery) with the target application (workflow execution), eliminating the need to toggle between applications while maintaining access to tutorial information.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a URL scheme as an intermediary mechanism that bridges the browser and the target application. The URL scheme carries encoded tutorial information that the target application can interpret and present, serving as a mediator that transfers information from the browser context to the application context without requiring the user to manually navigate between applications.
2Loss of information
If users toggle between browser application and software application to learn each step, then users can follow tutorial instructions, but screen space is reduced and computational resources increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the tutorial presentation within the target application's interface, allowing tutorial instructions to be displayed overlaid on or integrated with the application workspace. This eliminates the need to allocate separate screen space to a browser window, maximizing the available area for both tutorial content and application functionality simultaneously.
3Loss of information
If users toggle between applications to perform multi-step functions, then users can learn each step, but productivity is reduced due to workflow disruption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous workflow by delivering tutorial information directly within the application context. Users can learn and execute steps without interrupting their workflow to switch applications, maintaining continuous productive action while still accessing step-by-step guidance through the integrated tutorial system.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for initiating an interactive tutorial session within a first executing application via an interaction within a second executing application are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method comprises receiving an indication of a selection of a graphical user interface (GUI) element within a first executing application to receive direction as to performing a function associated with a second executing application; selecting, by the second executing application, an interactive tutorial session based on a parameter associated with the GUI element; and triggering, by the second executing application, an instance of the interactive tutorial session within a user interface of the second executing application.