Method for categorizing, describing and modeling types of system users

Abstract

A method for categorizing, describing, and modeling types of system users where information from the models can be used in designing a user interface. Users may have improved performance using the user interface. A list of tentative behaviors of the users is created. This list is created by identifying the goals desired for the user interface or the user models, and listing expected and desired behaviors that are relevant to these goals. The list is revised to include only those behaviors that are important or frequent based on the goals. Categorizing the behaviors is performed by obtaining information from users regarding their characteristics and behaviors. Each user's behavioral information is then converted to a score or value. The users are then mapped or charted based on which behaviors they exhibit. The mapping or charting is analyzed to identify clusters of users. These clusters define groups of users that have similar behaviors. The groups are then analyzed to produce descriptions of each group. This consists of selecting one or more users from each group and obtaining additional behavioral information. This additional behavioral information is analyzed to produce descriptions for each group. These descriptions are then used to formulate models of behaviors for each group. Information from these models can be used to design and create a user interface that helps increase user performance when using this user interface.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.