Guidance across complex tasks

Abstract

Architecture that guides a user through a complex set of steps of a task that can span multiple applications and services, and/or multiple subprograms/services within a single application. A publication mechanism publishes categorized tasks and task steps to the end user client. Task publication allows end user/community modification or task creation for self use or for publishing to other users. A user interface (UI) associates a specific step with the larger task and helps the user to return back to the list of steps and otherwise navigate at the user discretion. A profile mechanism facilitates the storage of user choices over time and the development of a user profile from which future or similar task completion can be based. The architecture serves as a teaching tool that exposes the user to a variety of applications and services of which the user might now otherwise be aware.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.