UI Navigation Path Determination via Automated Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users often struggle to navigate user interfaces (UIs) efficiently, leading to difficulties in accessing information, which can result in users opting for alternative methods like phone calls instead of using web applications.
Innovation Solution
A computer system is developed to test UIs by determining a shortest path to a goal within the UI. This system includes modules for test creation, execution, and analysis, utilizing neural networks to predict the likelihood of achieving the goal through various actions and updating test data accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If customers navigate the UI of a web application to access information, then they can obtain information independently, but many customers are unable to properly navigate the UI and opt for alternative methods like phone calls
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically analyzing UI states, determining possible actions, and identifying shortest paths to goals without human intervention. The computer system autonomously navigates the UI, executes actions, and collects test data, eliminating the need for manual customer navigation attempts and phone calls to customer service.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical navigation (customers physically clicking through UI elements) with an automated computational system. The computer system uses algorithms to analyze UI states, determine actions, and navigate to goals, substituting human customers' manual navigation efforts with automated mechanical processes.
2Productivity
If the system performs comprehensive UI testing to determine shortest paths, then navigation efficiency improves, but the complexity of the testing system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The testing system is segmented into distinct functional modules: a test creation module for obtaining testing parameters, a test execution module for executing tests and collecting data, and an analysis module for determining shortest paths. This segmentation allows each module to handle specific tasks independently, managing overall system complexity while achieving comprehensive testing capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary components such as the analysis module that acts as a mediator between test execution and result interpretation. The analysis module receives test data from the execution module and processes it to determine shortest paths, serving as an intermediary layer that simplifies the overall system architecture and manages complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for testing a user interface (UI) includes obtaining a first state of the UI and setting a current position to specified location coordinates. The method includes determining whether the first state satisfies criteria for a goal and, if so, updating a collection of completed tests with a test distance and test data. The method includes, in response to the first state not satisfying the criteria: determining a set of potential user actions to be performed in the first state based on interactive elements of the UI; selecting and executing an action; and updating the test distance based on the current position and location coordinates of the element associated with the action. The method includes determining a shortest path to the goal in the UI based on the collection of completed tests. The method includes, based on the determined shortest path, automatically visually transforming a state of the UI.