State-Based Guidance Interface for Application Technology Transparency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional business solution demonstrations lack state-based guidance and technology insights, making it difficult for users and salespersons to understand the underlying technologies and components, which can lead to a dismissive perception of the demonstration as 'smoke and mirrors' and hinder informed decision-making about required technologies.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising an operation guidance system and a technology guidance system that provides step-by-step state-based guidance within the existing user interface, highlighting the technologies used and their roles, allowing users to understand the technologies driving the interface and making informed decisions about technology requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If instructions are integrated into the user interface screens to direct users or sales persons, then ease of operation is improved, but the demonstration realism deteriorates as users cannot suspend their disbelief
Solution Approach 1:
A separate guidance interface is introduced as an intermediary between the user and the main application interface. This guidance interface provides instructions and technology information without being integrated into the main user interface, allowing users to access help while maintaining the realism of the demonstration. The guidance interface acts as a mediator that delivers assistance without disrupting the authentic appearance of the business solution.
Solution Approach 2:
The interface is segmented into two distinct components: the main application interface that maintains demonstration realism, and a separate guidance interface that provides instructions and technology information. This segmentation allows the instructional content to be delivered without being visually integrated into the main interface, preserving the illusion of a real business solution while still providing necessary guidance.
2Ease of operation
If a guided tour walks a user step-by-step through the existing user interface, then ease of operation is improved, but the demonstration realism deteriorates due to additional interface elements
Solution Approach 1:
The guided tour functionality is implemented through a separate guidance interface that acts as an intermediary. This interface provides step-by-step instructions and technology information without being embedded in the main application interface, allowing the tour to proceed without compromising the visual realism of the business solution demonstration.
Solution Approach 2:
The guidance information is presented in a separate dimensional space from the main application interface. Rather than overlaying or integrating instructions within the existing interface screens, the guidance interface operates in a parallel dimension, providing step-by-step guidance while the main interface maintains its authentic appearance for the demonstration.
3Reliability
If no information is provided about underlying technologies, then demonstration realism is maintained, but loss of information occurs regarding technology requirements and components
Solution Approach 1:
The guidance interface serves as an intermediary that bridges the gap between maintaining demonstration realism and providing technology information. It delivers detailed information about underlying technologies, applications, and components without disrupting the visual authenticity of the main interface, thus preventing information loss while preserving realism.
Solution Approach 2:
Information is segmented into two categories: visual interface elements that maintain demonstration realism, and technology information delivered through the separate guidance interface. This segmentation allows comprehensive technology information to be provided about applications and components without affecting the visual presentation of the business solution.
4Ease of operation
If wizards provide a new interface for a specific task, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional interface mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The guidance interface is designed as a universal mechanism that serves multiple functions: providing step-by-step guided tours, delivering technology information, and offering contextual help. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate wizard interfaces for each task, reducing overall interface complexity while maintaining ease of operation through a single unified guidance system.
Data Source
AI summary
A state-based guidance method provides to a user operation guidance and technology guidance for an application. The method walks the user step-by-step through an existing interface and guides the user to provide the appropriate input in the appropriate places in the existing interface. Individualized guidance is dynamically provided based on a user profile in addition to state and context of the application. The method describes the technologies used to perform actions presented in the user interface of the application and indicates where these technologies are used, providing an overview of which technologies are used in the application and in what capacity those technologies are implemented.