Web Flow Automated Executor for Dynamic Help Guidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional help mechanisms for web applications are static, difficult to navigate, and not frequently updated, making it challenging for users to perform specific actions efficiently, especially in cloud-hosted environments where applications are frequently updated.
Innovation Solution
An interactive automated web flow executor, known as the Flow Executor module, which simulates browser events, provides explanatory text, and highlights areas of a live website, guiding users through dynamic steps without requiring additional tool installations, by executing JavaScript within the browser and utilizing backend data for personalized assistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a static help mechanism with predefined steps is used, then the system structure is simple and easy to implement, but the help content cannot be updated frequently and is difficult to navigate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static help mechanism into a dynamic one by implementing automated flows that can be updated and executed without redeployment. The help system now dynamically adapts to application state changes, user actions, and updated content, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The help system implements self-service capabilities through automated flow execution that detects user needs, navigates to relevant help content, and provides contextual assistance without requiring manual updates or complex configuration. This reduces the perceived complexity while enhancing adaptability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a static help window is displayed, then the implementation is simple, but the window closes when a new window opens and is not frequently updated
Solution Approach 1:
The automated flow system serves multiple functions: it provides help content, tracks user progress, adapts to application state changes, and persists across navigation. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by making the help system versatile without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms that monitor application state, user actions, and help content relevance. This feedback enables the help window to persist and update automatically, resolving the contradiction between persistence and complexity through intelligent state tracking.
3Adaptability or versatility
If predefined help steps are provided, then the help mechanism is easy to implement, but it is restricted to a predefined set of actions and cannot assist with dynamic tasks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic flow execution that adapts to user actions and application state, allowing the help system to assist with tasks beyond predefined scenarios. The system dynamically determines next steps based on current context, resolving the contradiction between action coverage and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The help system changes its behavior parameters based on application state, user preferences, and task context. This parameter adaptation enables the system to handle diverse actions dynamically while maintaining a manageable underlying structure, resolving the contradiction between versatility and complexity.
4Ease of operation
If conventional help mechanisms are used, then no additional tool installations are required, but the help is static and difficult to navigate
Solution Approach 1:
The automated flow system provides self-service navigation by detecting user needs, selecting relevant help content, and guiding users through appropriate flows without manual navigation. This enhances ease of operation while managing architecture complexity through automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from user actions and application state to automatically navigate to relevant help content, making navigation easier without requiring complex user interactions. The feedback-driven approach resolves the contradiction between navigation ease and architectural complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system are provided including a display; a memory storing processor-executable steps; and a flow executor processor coupled to the memory, and operative to execute the processor-executable process steps to cause the system to: present a user interface on a display, the user interface including one or more selectable actions; present a flow executor indicator; in response to a user selection of the flow executor indicator, guide a user to select one of at least one flow presented on the user interface; in response to a user selection of the flow, generate, via a flow executor module, at least a first step associated with the selected flow, wherein execution of the at least one step by the user executes the flow; and present the at least one step on the user interface. Numerous other aspects are provided.