System and method for progressively disclosing information to a computer user
A method and system for disclosing to a computer user structured database information for making a decision regarding an event is described. The method comprises: alerting the user to the event; receiving a first request for the structured database information relating to the event; providing a first portion of the structured database information relating to the event; receiving a second request for additional structured database information and options relating to the event; and providing a second portion of the structured database information and the options relating to the event, the second portion being larger than the first portion, the options including a mechanism for making the decision.
1 . A method of progressively disclosing to a computer user structured database information for making a decision regarding an event, comprising:
alerting the user to the event;
receiving a first request for the structured database information relating to the event;
providing a first portion of the structured database information relating to the event;
receiving a second request for additional structured database information and options relating to the event; and
providing a second portion of the structured database information and the options relating to the event, the second portion being larger than the first portion, the options including a mechanism for making the decision.
2 . The method of claim 1 , further comprising:
receiving a third request for additional structured database information and options relating to the event; and
providing a third portion of the structured database information and the options relating to the event, the third portion being larger than the second portion, the options including a mechanism for making the decision.
3 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the alert is provided in a sidebar.
4 . The method of claim 1 , wherein a notification is provided in place of an alert.
5 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the first portion of the structured database information relating to the event is provided in a contextual menu.
6 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the first portion of the structured database information relating to the event is provided in a flyout.
7 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the second portion of the structured database information and the options relating to the event are provided in a quick activity window.
8 . The method of claim 2 , wherein the third portion of the structured database information and the options relating to the event is provided in a guided activity window.
9 . The method of claim 1 , further comprising providing unstructured database information in response to the second request.
10 . The method of claim 2 , further comprising providing unstructured database information in response to the third request.
11 . A system for providing progressive disclosure of information to a user comprising:
a memory; and
a microprocessor coupled to the memory and programmed to:
alert the user to an event;
receive a first request for structured database information relating to the event;
provide a first portion of the structured database information relating to the event;
receive a second request for additional structured database information and options relating to the event; and
provide a second portion of the structured database information and the options relating to the event, the second portion being larger than the first portion, the options including a mechanism for making the decision.
12 . The system of claim 11 , wherein the microprocessor is further programmed to:
receiving a third request for additional structured database information and options relating to the event; and
providing a third portion of the structured database information and the options relating to the event, the third portion being larger than the second portion, the options including a mechanism for making the decision.
13 . The system of claim 11 , wherein the alert is provided in a sidebar.
14 . The system of claim 11 , wherein a notification is provided in place of an alert.
15 . The system of claim 11 , wherein the first portion of the structured database information relating to the event is provided in a contextual menu.
16 . The system of claim 11 , wherein the first portion of the structured database information relating to the event is provided in a flyout.
17 . The system of claim 11 , wherein the second portion of the structured database information and the options relating to the event are provided in a quick activity window.
18 . The system of claim 12 , wherein the third portion of the structured database information and the options relating to the event is provided in a guided activity window.
19 . The system of claim 11 , wherein the microprocessor is further programmed to provide unstructured database information in response to the second request.
20 . The system of claim 12 , wherein the microprocessor is further programmed to provide unstructured database information in response to the third request.