A visible cue, prominently displayed, can alert customers to the presence of unresolved points inside a software program utility. This interface factor, typically positioned on the high of a window or display, serves as a readily noticeable indicator of potential issues that demand consideration. For instance, if a consumer makes an attempt to save lots of a file with invalid knowledge, this indicator would possibly seem, offering a transparent sign that the operation has not been accomplished efficiently and that additional motion is required.
The significance of such a visible alert lies in its skill to forestall knowledge loss, enhance consumer expertise, and guarantee knowledge integrity. Traditionally, software program functions have relied on much less distinguished notifications, corresponding to pop-up dialog packing containers, which could be simply ignored. A extra persistent and visually distinct indicator addresses this subject, drawing the consumer’s consideration and facilitating immediate decision of any recognized errors. This contributes considerably to a extra sturdy and user-friendly utility.
The next sections will element the precise strategies for implementing this visible error signaling mechanism, together with issues for design, integration with present utility structure, and greatest practices for offering clear and actionable suggestions to the consumer.
1. Visible prominence
Visible prominence constitutes a elementary attribute when using a ribbon to sign errors inside a software program interface. The effectiveness of this error signaling mechanism hinges on its skill to right away seize the consumer’s consideration. An error indicator that blends seamlessly into the background or is well ignored negates its supposed objective. Take into account, for instance, a monetary utility the place a crucial calculation error would possibly result in vital financial discrepancies. If the error indicator lacks visible affect, the consumer might stay unaware of the difficulty, leading to flawed monetary studies and potential monetary loss. This underscores the causal relationship: diminished visible prominence instantly impairs the efficacy of the error ribbon in stopping inaccurate actions.
Attaining visible prominence requires strategic design selections. Coloration distinction, dimension, and placement play essential roles. Using high-contrast colours, corresponding to a vivid crimson or orange in opposition to a impartial background, can successfully draw the attention. A bigger show space for the error message additionally contributes to improved visibility. Moreover, positioning the ribbon on the high of the applying window, a location sometimes throughout the consumer’s pure line of sight, maximizes the chance of instant detection. Implementing animation results, corresponding to a refined pulse or shimmer, can additional improve its noticeability. These design parts, when appropriately built-in, collectively amplify the visible prominence of the error ribbon.
In conclusion, the visible prominence of the ribbon acts as a crucial determinant of its success as an error-signaling device. The failure to prioritize visible affect can result in missed errors and, consequently, compromised knowledge integrity or operational effectivity. By meticulously contemplating coloration distinction, dimension, placement, and using refined animations, builders can be certain that the error ribbon successfully fulfills its supposed operate, thereby enhancing the general reliability and value of the software program utility.
2. Clear error messaging
Clear error messaging is a crucial part within the efficient implementation of an error notification system. An ambiguous or cryptic error message renders the visible alert itself largely ineffective. The next particulars illustrate the aspects of clear error messaging inside this context.
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Specificity and Precision
Error messages should articulate the exact nature of the issue. As an example, as a substitute of displaying a generic “Error” message, the ribbon ought to state, “Invalid date format. Please enter date in YYYY-MM-DD format.” This specificity permits the consumer to right away determine the foundation trigger and implement the required correction. A banking utility, for instance, would possibly show “Inadequate funds” somewhat than merely “Transaction failed.”
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Actionable Steerage
Past merely figuring out the error, efficient messaging offers steering on learn how to resolve it. A message corresponding to “Connection timed out” is considerably improved by including, “Verify your community connection or strive once more later.” The inclusion of advised corrective actions empowers the consumer to handle the issue with out requiring exterior help or intensive troubleshooting. Software program set up processes ought to present steps for rectifying set up failures; as an example, if a lacking dependency halts the set up, the error ribbon ought to element learn how to set up the required dependency.
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Conciseness and Readability
Whereas offering ample element, error messages must also be concise and straightforward to grasp. Jargon, technical phrases, and overly advanced phrasing must be prevented. The objective is to speak the issue and its resolution in a fashion that’s accessible to all customers, no matter their technical experience. For instance, somewhat than displaying “Segmentation fault (core dumped),” a extra user-friendly message is perhaps “The appliance encountered an sudden error and must be restarted.”
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Contextual Relevance
The error message must be related to the consumer’s present motion or workflow. This requires cautious consideration of the context wherein the error happens. If a consumer is making an attempt to save lots of a file in an unsupported format, the error message ought to replicate this particular motion. The error ribbon ought to, due to this fact, convey the issue in relation to the duty at hand. A picture modifying program, as an example, would possibly point out {that a} explicit file extension is just not supported when the consumer makes an attempt to export the picture, guiding the consumer to decide on a supported format.
In the end, the effectiveness of the ribbon as an error notification device is instantly correlated with the readability and usefulness of the error messages it shows. Particular, actionable, concise, and contextually related messaging transforms the ribbon from a mere alert right into a worthwhile device for downside decision and improved consumer expertise. Its integration must be thought-about in the course of the implementation and design phases to make it an integral a part of a complete consumer interface.
3. Non-intrusive design
The combination of an error show mechanism right into a software program utility necessitates a fragile stability between visibility and disruption. Non-intrusive design, within the context of error show, seeks to tell the consumer of points with out impeding their ongoing workflow or diminishing the general consumer expertise. The next will element the aspects of how non-intrusive design improves the way in which error ribbons show error occasions.
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Refined Visible Cues
The error ribbon ought to make use of refined visible cues to draw consideration with out being jarring. As an alternative of flashing animations or overly vivid colours, a extra subdued strategy utilizing coloration gradients, mild animations, or strategically positioned icons proves more practical. For instance, a ribbon that subtly slides into view or makes use of a muted coloration scheme can alert the consumer with out overwhelming the interface. Extreme visible stimulation can distract customers and degrade their expertise.
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Strategic Placement and Measurement
The location and dimension of the error ribbon considerably affect its intrusiveness. A location on the high of the applying window, whereas seen, mustn’t occupy extreme display actual property. A ribbon that’s too giant can obscure essential content material and disrupt the consumer’s focus. Equally, keep away from inserting the ribbon in areas which can be often used or require exact cursor management. A strategic, unobtrusive placement minimizes interference with the consumer’s workflow.
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Progressive Disclosure of Data
As an alternative of presenting your entire error message upfront, a non-intrusive ribbon can make use of progressive disclosure. Initially, the ribbon shows a short abstract of the error, with an choice to increase for extra particulars. This strategy permits customers to shortly assess the severity of the difficulty with out being bombarded with data. The growth of particulars must be a user-initiated motion, respecting their management over the data displayed. A database utility with a number of invalid knowledge fields ought to present a abstract of the variety of errors, permitting the consumer to drill down for particular particulars on every subject.
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Respecting Consumer Management
A well-designed error ribbon respects the consumer’s management over its show. Offering choices to dismiss the ribbon, postpone the error decision, or customise the extent of element displayed empowers the consumer to handle their workflow. An error concerning an optionally available software program replace ought to permit the consumer to dismiss the ribbon indefinitely or set a reminder for a later time. This degree of management prevents the ribbon from turning into a persistent annoyance, thereby fostering a extra constructive consumer expertise.
Non-intrusive design represents a crucial consideration when implementing an error ribbon. By using refined visible cues, strategic placement, progressive disclosure, and respecting consumer management, the ribbon turns into an efficient device for error notification with out compromising usability or creating pointless distractions. The objective is to seamlessly combine the error-reporting mechanism into the applying, enhancing the general consumer expertise.
4. Actionable steering
Actionable steering, when built-in with an error indication mechanism, transforms a mere notification of an issue right into a immediate for decision. Its relevance stems from the inherent limitations of merely alerting a consumer to an error; with out clear route, the consumer is left to independently diagnose and rectify the state of affairs, resulting in inefficiencies and potential frustration. This part will element the aspects of actionable steering on this context.
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Specificity of Directions
Actionable steering requires directions tailor-made to the exact error encountered. A generic suggestion, corresponding to “Verify your enter,” is inadequate. As an alternative, the steering should particularly handle the inaccurate subject or parameter. For instance, an error associated to an invalid e mail handle ought to present steering corresponding to “Enter a legitimate e mail handle within the format identify@area.com.” Such precision reduces ambiguity and directs the consumer to the precise location of the issue.
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Direct Hyperlinks to Options
Actionable steering can incorporate direct hyperlinks to related assets or instruments. An error encountered throughout software program set up, corresponding to a lacking dependency, ought to present a direct hyperlink to obtain and set up the required part. This immediacy streamlines the decision course of, minimizing the necessity for the consumer to navigate exterior documentation or assist channels. The inclusion of direct hyperlinks transforms the error notification into an actionable pathway in direction of remediation.
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Contextual Help
The steering must be contextually related to the consumer’s present activity and setting. An error encountered whereas making an attempt to save lots of a file ought to take into account the applying’s settings and the consumer’s file system configuration. Steerage suggesting different file codecs or offering directions to regulate file permissions could be pertinent on this state of affairs. Contextual help ensures that the advised options are relevant and efficient within the particular state of affairs encountered by the consumer.
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Step-by-Step Procedures
For advanced errors, the actionable steering ought to present a step-by-step process. This strategy breaks down the decision course of into manageable duties. An error associated to community connectivity, for instance, ought to supply a sequential information, corresponding to “1. Verify your Ethernet cable connection, 2. Restart your modem, 3. Contact your web service supplier.” By structuring the steering into clearly outlined steps, the consumer can systematically handle the issue and monitor their progress.
The combination of actionable steering, due to this fact, augments the utility of a mechanism for error notification by actively facilitating downside decision. This transformation from passive alert to lively help considerably enhances consumer effectivity and total satisfaction. By offering particular directions, direct hyperlinks, contextual help, and step-by-step procedures, the interface empowers customers to resolve points independently and expeditiously. Its effectiveness is contingent upon its design to be instantly associated to an error, its potential trigger, and resolution, making it a crucial part of error dealing with and consumer expertise.
5. Accessibility compliance
Accessibility compliance is a non-negotiable facet of error ribbon design and implementation. Neglecting accessibility issues instantly impairs the flexibility of customers with disabilities to successfully use software program functions. If the visible error indicator lacks ample distinction, as an example, customers with low imaginative and prescient will wrestle to discern its presence or interpret its message. This omission successfully excludes a phase of the consumer base, undermining the rules of inclusive design and doubtlessly violating accessibility requirements corresponding to WCAG (Net Content material Accessibility Pointers).
The combination of accessibility options into the ribbon necessitates a multifaceted strategy. Coloration distinction ratios should meet established pointers to make sure readability for customers with visible impairments. Using display reader-compatible textual content alternate options (e.g., `aria-label` attributes in HTML) permits display readers to precisely convey error messages to customers who’re blind or visually impaired. Keyboard navigation have to be totally supported, enabling customers who can not use a mouse to entry and work together with the error ribbon. These measures will not be merely optionally available enhancements; they’re elementary necessities for making certain equitable entry. For instance, if a web-based utility shows a validation error utilizing the ribbon, keyboard customers want to have the ability to tab to the ribbon, have the display reader announce the error, after which tab to the sector with the difficulty. With out correctly applied accessibility, the ribbon presents a roadblock as a substitute of an help. Failure to adjust to the ADA (People with Disabilities Act) or comparable legal guidelines in different jurisdictions can result in authorized repercussions.
In abstract, accessibility compliance is just not an ancillary consideration however an integral design precept that shapes how errors are offered and managed inside software program interfaces. The failure to include accessibility options into an error notification mechanism inherently restricts the flexibility of customers with disabilities to completely make the most of the applying. By adhering to established accessibility pointers and incorporating inclusive design practices, builders be certain that their software program is accessible to all customers, no matter their talents, thus realizing the total advantages of utilizing the ribbon as an error indication mechanism.
6. Contextual relevance
Contextual relevance is a crucial determinant of the efficacy of an error indication mechanism. An error ribbon, no matter its visible prominence or readability of message, loses its worth if the data it conveys lacks direct bearing on the consumer’s instant activity or workflow. Failure to make sure this relevance leads to a disconnect between the error notification and the consumer’s cognitive state, diminishing the chance of immediate and efficient error decision. The causal relationship is easy: diminished contextual relevance results in decreased consumer comprehension and delayed corrective motion.
The appliance of this precept necessitates a meticulous mapping of potential error states to particular consumer actions. Take into account a knowledge entry kind the place a number of fields require validation. If a consumer submits the shape with errors in a number of fields, an error ribbon that merely shows a generic “Invalid enter” message offers restricted help. A contextually related ribbon, however, would determine every subject with an error, specifying the character of the issue (e.g., “Invalid date format in ‘Date of Start’ subject,” “Telephone quantity have to be 10 digits in ‘Telephone Quantity’ subject”). This specificity permits the consumer to handle the errors instantly, with out having to have interaction in a time-consuming strategy of trial and error. In a software program growth setting, an error displayed on the error ribbon, like “Lacking semicolon on line 23”, will permit customers to repair the code extra effectively. One other instance, in video modifying software program the error ribbon shows a message stating, “Unsupported file sort”. This directs them to both convert the file or choose an accepted format. These sensible functions display the tangible advantages of contextual relevance in enhancing usability and minimizing consumer frustration.
In abstract, contextual relevance serves as a cornerstone of an efficient error show mechanism. This relationship is pivotal for optimum consumer efficiency. By making certain that error notifications are instantly linked to particular consumer actions and tailor-made to the instant context, builders can rework the error ribbon from a mere alert into an actionable device that facilitates environment friendly downside fixing. Failure to prioritize contextual relevance can undermine your entire error dealing with technique, negating the supposed advantages of implementing an error indication system and leading to a diminished expertise for the consumer.
7. Persistent show
The persistent show of an error ribbon basically alters its effectiveness as an error indication mechanism. Absent persistence, the ribbon features merely as a fleeting notification, simply ignored or dismissed earlier than corrective motion is taken. This impermanence instantly compromises its supposed objective, growing the chance of unresolved errors and potential knowledge inconsistencies. The persistent nature acts as a continuous reminder, reinforcing the necessity for consumer intervention till the underlying subject is addressed. Take into account, as an example, a monetary utility the place a consumer makes an attempt to provoke a transaction with inadequate funds. If the applying solely shows the error momentarily, the consumer might not totally comprehend the rationale for the transaction failure, doubtlessly resulting in repeated makes an attempt and escalating frustration. Nonetheless, when this error indicator stays seen till the consumer deposits ample funds or modifies the transaction, the system reinforces the need to resolve the difficulty. The persistent show ensures the consumer is frequently cognizant of the error.
The strategic implementation of a persistent show necessitates cautious consideration of its interplay with different interface parts. The ribbon should not obscure essential data or impede the consumer’s skill to navigate the applying. A well-designed system permits customers to acknowledge the error, optionally dismiss the ribbon, and briefly reduce the show whereas retaining an unobtrusive visible cue to point the presence of unresolved points. For instance, a doc editor would possibly persistently show an error if the doc comprises tracked adjustments that haven’t been accepted or rejected. The ribbon may present choices to evaluate the adjustments, settle for all adjustments, or dismiss the notification with the understanding that the tracked adjustments stay within the doc. When the error is mounted, the applying will instantly take away the ribbon. That habits highlights the sensible advantage of persistently displaying the ribbon when a consumer intends to save lots of a doc and its file data must be corrected first, that course of ensures knowledge integrity and a seamless consumer expertise.
The persistent show of a ribbon constitutes a crucial factor of efficient error administration. Its continuous presence reinforces the significance of resolving errors, minimizing the danger of oversight and stopping knowledge inconsistencies. The absence of persistence undermines its worth, remodeling it right into a transient notification with restricted affect. By implementing an clever show system, software program builders can optimize their utility, growing usability and bettering the general consumer expertise. Designing this manner offers a seamless workflow and contributes to improved knowledge high quality inside an utility.
8. Dynamic updating
Dynamic updating, within the context of a visible alert system, refers back to the skill of the indicator to replicate adjustments within the utility state in real-time. It’s a essential facet of constructing such a system greater than only a static warning; it should adapt its show to the evolving standing of the underlying errors. The shortage of dynamic updating would render the visible alert inaccurate and deceptive, doubtlessly inflicting consumer confusion and diminished productiveness.
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Reflecting Actual-Time Standing
The first function of dynamic updating is to make sure that the displayed data precisely represents the present standing of recognized errors. For instance, if an utility studies a community connection error, the indicator ought to routinely disappear as soon as the connection is re-established. Take into account a spreadsheet utility the place system errors exist: the ribbon ought to replace dynamically as a consumer corrects every error in order that solely remaining ones show.
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Adapting to Consumer Actions
Dynamic updates ought to reply to consumer actions taken to resolve the problems. When a consumer fixes a knowledge validation error, the indicator ought to instantly replicate that the error has been resolved. As an example, if a web based kind shows an error for an invalid e mail handle, the system ought to dynamically replace the indicator because the consumer corrects the e-mail. This responsiveness offers instant suggestions and reinforces the consumer’s actions.
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Adjusting to System Occasions
A dynamic system must also alter to adjustments that happen because of system occasions impartial of direct consumer interplay. An utility may carry out an computerized knowledge synchronization within the background. If any conflicts come up in the course of the synchronization, the system ought to seem. As soon as the battle is resolved, the indicator ought to replace accordingly, even when the consumer didn’t instantly provoke the synchronization course of.
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Offering Clear Transitions
Transitions throughout dynamic updates must be seamless and unobtrusive, avoiding jarring visible results that may distract or confuse the consumer. As an example, the transition from an error state to a traditional state must be easy, maybe utilizing a refined animation or a change in coloration, to point that the difficulty has been resolved. Abrupt adjustments could be disorienting and detract from the general consumer expertise.
The dynamic updating is a crucial operate for this visible alert system; its functionality makes it an efficient device for guiding the consumer in direction of error decision. By making certain the visible alert precisely displays the present standing of errors in real-time, the system can considerably enhance usability and consumer expertise. Software program builders ought to give excessive precedence to implementing sturdy dynamic replace mechanisms to capitalize on the advantages of such a error signalling strategy.
Incessantly Requested Questions
The next questions handle frequent issues and issues concerning the implementation of an error ribbon inside software program functions. Understanding these features is essential for profitable integration and optimum consumer expertise.
Query 1: What constitutes an appropriate coloration scheme for an error ribbon to make sure most visibility with out inflicting extreme visible disruption?
A high-contrast coloration mixture is crucial. Whereas vivid crimson is a typical selection, alternate options embrace deep orange or a saturated yellow. The chosen coloration should distinction sharply with the applying’s background. Keep away from overly vivid or flashing colours, which could be distracting or induce discomfort. A/B testing with consultant customers may also help decide the best and least intrusive coloration scheme.
Query 2: How ought to the error ribbon be positioned throughout the utility interface to maximise its affect with out obstructing crucial content material?
The highest of the applying window is usually thought-about the optimum location. This placement ensures that the ribbon is throughout the consumer’s pure line of sight. Nonetheless, the ribbon mustn’t overlay crucial parts corresponding to menu bars or toolbars. Its top have to be fastidiously calibrated to keep away from obstructing important data. An alternate location is just under the principle toolbar, offered this space is just not often used for different interactive parts.
Query 3: What sort of knowledge must be included within the error message displayed throughout the ribbon, and the way can its conciseness be balanced with the necessity for readability?
The error message ought to present particular particulars concerning the subject, its potential trigger, and advised corrective actions. Jargon and technical phrases must be prevented. Prioritize readability and brevity; the message must be simply understood by customers with various ranges of technical experience. Offering a hyperlink or button to a extra detailed clarification could be useful for advanced errors.
Query 4: How can the error ribbon be made accessible to customers with disabilities, notably those that depend on display readers or keyboard navigation?
Compliance with accessibility requirements corresponding to WCAG is crucial. Use semantic HTML or ARIA attributes to offer display readers with correct descriptions of the error and its related actions. Guarantee full keyboard navigation assist, permitting customers to entry and dismiss the ribbon utilizing solely the keyboard. Present ample coloration distinction for customers with visible impairments. Implement different textual content for any visible cues or icons.
Query 5: What mechanisms must be applied to permit the error ribbon to replace dynamically in response to adjustments within the utility state or consumer actions?
Implement occasion listeners or observers that monitor related utility occasions. When an error is resolved, the ribbon ought to routinely disappear or replace its message. Use asynchronous updates to keep away from blocking the consumer interface. Keep away from abrupt transitions; make use of easy animations or fades to point adjustments within the ribbon’s state.
Query 6: What methods could be employed to forestall the error ribbon from turning into a persistent annoyance, notably when customers are unable to resolve the underlying subject instantly?
Present choices for customers to acknowledge and briefly dismiss the ribbon. Implement a “snooze” operate that permits customers to defer the error decision till a later time. Keep away from repeatedly displaying the identical error message if the consumer has already acknowledged it. Provide useful assets or assist channels for customers who’re struggling to resolve the difficulty independently.
Cautious consideration of those questions and their implications is paramount for the profitable implementation and efficient use of a visible error signaling system. The objective is to create a device that enhances usability and guides customers in direction of error decision with out disrupting their workflow.
The next sections will talk about particular code examples and implementation methods.
Implementation Suggestions for Error Notification
This part presents steering on learn how to error ribbon utilizing x successfully. The following pointers handle crucial features of implementation and design to boost usability and reduce potential drawbacks.
Tip 1: Prioritize Readability in Error Messaging: The error message should present particular particulars concerning the subject, avoiding obscure language. For instance, “Invalid e mail format” is extra informative than merely “Error.”
Tip 2: Guarantee Contextual Relevance: The notification displayed ought to instantly relate to the consumer’s present motion or activity. Displaying error ribbons have to be related to the workflow the consumer is working on.
Tip 3: Preserve Visible Consistency: The design of the error ribbon ought to align with the general aesthetic of the applying to forestall it from showing misplaced.
Tip 4: Implement a Mechanism for Consumer Dismissal: Present a transparent technique for customers to acknowledge and dismiss the error notification, stopping it from turning into a persistent distraction.
Tip 5: Incorporate Dynamic Updating: The error ribbon ought to routinely replace to replicate adjustments within the utility state. Guarantee dynamic updating to replicate the precise standing of the error, which is among the greatest recommendations on learn how to error ribbon utilizing x.
Tip 6: Assure Accessibility Compliance: Adhere to accessibility pointers to make sure the error ribbon is usable by people with disabilities.
Tip 7: Completely Check Error Eventualities: Check the error ribbon below numerous circumstances to confirm its performance and consumer expertise. Implementing numerous check situations permits for higher management and implementation while you wish to know “learn how to error ribbon utilizing x”.
Following these implementation suggestions is essential for maximizing the advantages of visible error signaling and bettering the general consumer expertise.
The next sections present particular code examples and implementation methods for numerous software program growth platforms.
Conclusion
This text explored the implementation of visible error signaling inside software program functions, with explicit emphasis on the design and practical issues of using an error ribbon. Key factors included the significance of visible prominence, clear error messaging, non-intrusive design, actionable steering, accessibility compliance, contextual relevance, persistent show, and dynamic updating. These parts collectively contribute to a extra sturdy and user-friendly utility setting, minimizing the potential for knowledge loss and enhancing total consumer satisfaction.
Efficient integration of an error ribbon requires a complete understanding of those rules. Cautious consideration of design, accessibility, and contextual relevance is paramount. By adhering to established pointers and incorporating greatest practices, builders can rework the error signaling system from a mere alert right into a worthwhile device for downside decision and improved consumer expertise. This can elevate the software program from being simply practical to a consumer pleasant piece of software program that customers will take pleasure in.
