Automated Workflow Assistance Service for Software Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users of software applications face frustration and inefficiency due to repetitive configuration tasks and decision points, which current automated assistance systems fail to address effectively, often requiring large data processing and resource consumption.
Innovation Solution
An automated workflow assistance service that predicts preferred options using context category/option matrices, reducing the number of options presented to the user and potentially auto-selecting the most probable option, thereby minimizing user interaction and resource usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If AI approaches are used to automate preparation steps, then user frustration and interaction time are reduced, but data processing requirements and resource consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the decision-making process by presenting only the most relevant options at each decision point rather than requiring review of all available options. The automated assistance service analyzes context to identify and present a subset of preferred options, reducing the cognitive load and interaction time while maintaining effective decision-making capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies partial automation by providing automated assistance for specific decision points rather than attempting to automate all preparation steps. The automated assistance service intervenes selectively to present preferred options where most beneficial, allowing users to maintain control over critical decisions while reducing overall interaction time through targeted automation.
2Productivity
If AI approaches are used to automate preparation steps, then workflow efficiency is improved, but computing device resources and processing power are consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the complex workflow into discrete decision points and applies automated assistance selectively at each segment. By processing decisions individually rather than analyzing all possible workflow paths simultaneously, the system achieves improved productivity while reducing peak computing resource requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated assistance service performs preliminary analysis of context, administrative guidelines, and best practices before presenting options to the user. This preliminary processing enables the system to pre-identify preferred options and present them in a structured manner, improving workflow efficiency while keeping processing requirements manageable through targeted analysis rather than comprehensive evaluation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If all available options are presented to the user, then user flexibility is maintained, but interaction time and user frustration increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different levels of automation at different decision points based on local context and importance. For decision points where automated assistance is most beneficial, the system presents a curated list of preferred options. For other decision points, the system maintains full option availability. This localized approach preserves user flexibility where needed while reducing interaction time where automation adds the most value.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where users can provide input on their preferences and decision criteria. This feedback is used to refine the automated assistance service's option selection over time, ensuring that the presented options align with user needs and maintaining user flexibility while reducing the number of options that need to be manually reviewed.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems are disclosed for providing automated assistance to a user of a software application on a computing device. In one example, a method comprises, during operation of a software application running on a computing device by a user, the user prompted to select an option of a plurality of options of the software application at a step of the operation: predicting, via an automated assistance service running on the computing device, one or more preferred options of a plurality of options of the software application based on administrative guidelines, best practices, and previous selections made by the user, peers of the user, and other local users; displaying the one or more preferred options on a display device of the software application; receiving a selection of a most suitable option of the one or more preferred options from the user; and applying the selected option in the software application.