A visible cue, prominently displayed, can alert customers to the presence of unresolved points inside a software program software. 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 may 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 means to stop knowledge loss, enhance consumer expertise, and guarantee knowledge integrity. Traditionally, software program purposes have relied on much less distinguished notifications, corresponding to pop-up dialog bins, which might be simply neglected. A extra persistent and visually distinct indicator addresses this concern, drawing the consumer’s consideration and facilitating immediate decision of any recognized errors. This contributes considerably to a extra strong and user-friendly software.
The next sections will element the particular strategies for implementing this visible error signaling mechanism, together with concerns for design, integration with current software structure, and greatest practices for offering clear and actionable suggestions to the consumer.
1. Visible prominence
Visible prominence constitutes a basic attribute when using a ribbon to sign errors inside a software program interface. The effectiveness of this error signaling mechanism hinges on its means to right away seize the consumer’s consideration. An error indicator that blends seamlessly into the background or is well neglected negates its supposed goal. Think about, for instance, a monetary software the place a vital calculation error may result in important financial discrepancies. If the error indicator lacks visible affect, the consumer might stay unaware of the difficulty, leading to flawed monetary experiences and potential monetary loss. This underscores the causal relationship: diminished visible prominence instantly impairs the efficacy of the error ribbon in stopping inaccurate actions.
Reaching visible prominence requires strategic design selections. Shade distinction, measurement, and placement play essential roles. Using high-contrast colours, corresponding to a vibrant purple 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 usually throughout the consumer’s pure line of sight, maximizes the probability of fast detection. Implementing animation results, corresponding to a refined pulse or shimmer, can additional improve its noticeability. These design components, when appropriately built-in, collectively amplify the visible prominence of the error ribbon.
In conclusion, the visible prominence of the ribbon acts as a vital determinant of its success as an error-signaling software. The failure to prioritize visible affect can result in missed errors and, consequently, compromised knowledge integrity or operational effectivity. By meticulously contemplating coloration distinction, measurement, placement, and the usage of refined animations, builders can make sure that the error ribbon successfully fulfills its supposed operate, thereby enhancing the general reliability and usefulness of the software program software.
2. Clear error messaging
Clear error messaging is a vital element 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 sides of clear error messaging inside this context.
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Specificity and Precision
Error messages should articulate the exact nature of the issue. For example, as an alternative 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 establish the foundation trigger and implement the mandatory correction. A banking software, for instance, may show “Inadequate funds” moderately than merely “Transaction failed.”
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Actionable Steerage
Past merely figuring out the error, efficient messaging gives steerage on find out how to resolve it. A message corresponding to “Connection timed out” is considerably improved by including, “Examine your community connection or attempt once more later.” The inclusion of urged corrective actions empowers the consumer to handle the issue with out requiring exterior help or in depth troubleshooting. Software program set up processes ought to present steps for rectifying set up failures; as an illustration, if a lacking dependency halts the set up, the error ribbon ought to element find out how to set up the required dependency.
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Conciseness and Readability
Whereas offering enough element, error messages must also be concise and straightforward to know. Jargon, technical phrases, and overly advanced phrasing needs to be averted. The objective is to speak the issue and its resolution in a way that’s accessible to all customers, no matter their technical experience. For instance, moderately than displaying “Segmentation fault (core dumped),” a extra user-friendly message could be “The applying encountered an sudden error and must be restarted.”
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Contextual Relevance
The error message needs to 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 enhancing program, as an illustration, may 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 software 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 beneficial software for drawback decision and improved consumer expertise. Its integration needs to 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 software necessitates a fragile steadiness 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 sides of how non-intrusive design improves the way in which error ribbons show error occasions.
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Delicate Visible Cues
The error ribbon ought to make use of refined visible cues to draw consideration with out being jarring. As a substitute of flashing animations or overly vibrant colours, a extra subdued method utilizing coloration gradients, light 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 Dimension
The position and measurement 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 ceaselessly 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 a substitute of presenting your complete error message upfront, a non-intrusive ribbon can make use of progressive disclosure. Initially, the ribbon shows a quick abstract of the error, with an choice to increase for extra particulars. This method permits customers to rapidly assess the severity of the difficulty with out being bombarded with info. The growth of particulars needs to be a user-initiated motion, respecting their management over the knowledge displayed. A database software 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 discipline.
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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 changing into a persistent annoyance, thereby fostering a extra optimistic consumer expertise.
Non-intrusive design represents a vital 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 software 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 steerage
Actionable steerage, 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 sides of actionable steerage on this context.
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Specificity of Directions
Actionable steerage requires directions tailor-made to the exact error encountered. A generic suggestion, corresponding to “Examine your enter,” is inadequate. As a substitute, the steerage should particularly tackle the inaccurate discipline or parameter. For instance, an error associated to an invalid electronic mail tackle ought to present steerage corresponding to “Enter a sound electronic mail tackle within the format title@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 steerage 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 element. This immediacy streamlines the decision course of, minimizing the necessity for the consumer to navigate exterior documentation or help channels. The inclusion of direct hyperlinks transforms the error notification into an actionable pathway in the direction of remediation.
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Contextual Help
The steerage needs to be contextually related to the consumer’s present activity and atmosphere. An error encountered whereas making an attempt to save lots of a file ought to think about the applying’s settings and the consumer’s file system configuration. Steerage suggesting various file codecs or offering directions to regulate file permissions can be pertinent on this situation. Contextual help ensures that the urged 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 steerage ought to present a step-by-step process. This method breaks down the decision course of into manageable duties. An error associated to community connectivity, for instance, ought to provide a sequential information, corresponding to “1. Examine your Ethernet cable connection, 2. Restart your modem, 3. Contact your web service supplier.” By structuring the steerage into clearly outlined steps, the consumer can systematically tackle the issue and observe their progress.
The combination of actionable steerage, due to this fact, augments the utility of a mechanism for error notification by actively facilitating drawback 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 vital element of error dealing with and consumer expertise.
5. Accessibility compliance
Accessibility compliance is a non-negotiable side of error ribbon design and implementation. Neglecting accessibility concerns instantly impairs the power of customers with disabilities to successfully use software program purposes. If the visible error indicator lacks enough distinction, as an illustration, customers with low imaginative and prescient will battle to discern its presence or interpret its message. This omission successfully excludes a section of the consumer base, undermining the ideas of inclusive design and probably violating accessibility requirements corresponding to WCAG (Internet Content material Accessibility Pointers).
The combination of accessibility options into the ribbon necessitates a multifaceted method. Shade distinction ratios should meet established tips 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 should not merely optionally available enhancements; they’re basic necessities for making certain equitable entry. For instance, if a web-based software 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 carried out accessibility, the ribbon presents a roadblock as an alternative of an support. Failure to adjust to the ADA (Individuals 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 introduced and managed inside software program interfaces. The failure to include accessibility options into an error notification mechanism inherently restricts the power of customers with disabilities to completely make the most of the applying. By adhering to established accessibility tips and incorporating inclusive design practices, builders make sure that their software program is accessible to all customers, no matter their skills, thus realizing the complete advantages of utilizing the ribbon as an error indication mechanism.
6. Contextual relevance
Contextual relevance is a vital 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 knowledge it conveys lacks direct bearing on the consumer’s fast 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 probability of immediate and efficient error decision. The causal relationship is simple: diminished contextual relevance results in decreased consumer comprehension and delayed corrective motion.
The applying of this precept necessitates a meticulous mapping of potential error states to particular consumer actions. Think about a knowledge entry type 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 gives restricted help. A contextually related ribbon, alternatively, would establish every discipline with an error, specifying the character of the issue (e.g., “Invalid date format in ‘Date of Delivery’ discipline,” “Cellphone quantity have to be 10 digits in ‘Cellphone Quantity’ discipline”). This specificity permits the consumer to handle the errors instantly, with out having to have interaction in a time-consuming technique of trial and error. In a software program growth atmosphere, 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 enhancing 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 purposes 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 fast context, builders can remodel the error ribbon from a mere alert into an actionable software that facilitates environment friendly drawback fixing. Failure to prioritize contextual relevance can undermine your complete 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 neglected or dismissed earlier than corrective motion is taken. This impermanence instantly compromises its supposed goal, rising the probability of unresolved errors and potential knowledge inconsistencies. The persistent nature acts as a continuous reminder, reinforcing the necessity for consumer intervention till the underlying concern is addressed. Think about, as an illustration, a monetary software 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 explanation for the transaction failure, probably resulting in repeated makes an attempt and escalating frustration. Nonetheless, when this error indicator stays seen till the consumer deposits enough 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 components. The ribbon should not obscure essential info or impede the consumer’s means to navigate the applying. A well-designed system permits customers to acknowledge the error, optionally dismiss the ribbon, and quickly reduce the show whereas retaining an unobtrusive visible cue to point the presence of unresolved points. For instance, a doc editor may persistently show an error if the doc accommodates tracked modifications that haven’t been accepted or rejected. The ribbon might present choices to overview the modifications, settle for all modifications, or dismiss the notification with the understanding that the tracked modifications stay within the doc. When the error is fastened, the applying will instantly take away the ribbon. That conduct highlights the sensible advantage of persistently displaying the ribbon when a consumer intends to save lots of a doc and its file info must be corrected first, that course of ensures knowledge integrity and a seamless consumer expertise.
The persistent show of a ribbon constitutes a vital factor of efficient error administration. Its continuous presence reinforces the significance of resolving errors, minimizing the chance of oversight and stopping knowledge inconsistencies. The absence of persistence undermines its worth, reworking it right into a transient notification with restricted affect. By implementing an clever show system, software program builders can optimize their software, rising usability and enhancing the general consumer expertise. Designing this manner gives a seamless workflow and contributes to improved knowledge high quality inside an software.
8. Dynamic updating
Dynamic updating, within the context of a visible alert system, refers back to the means of the indicator to replicate modifications within the software state in real-time. It’s a essential side of creating one of these 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, probably 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 info precisely represents the present standing of recognized errors. For instance, if an software experiences a community connection error, the indicator ought to routinely disappear as soon as the connection is re-established. Think about a spreadsheet software the place formulation 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. For example, if a web based type shows an error for an invalid electronic mail tackle, the system ought to dynamically replace the indicator because the consumer corrects the e-mail. This responsiveness gives fast suggestions and reinforces the consumer’s actions.
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Adjusting to System Occasions
A dynamic system must also alter to modifications that happen on account of system occasions unbiased of direct consumer interplay. An software might carry out an automated 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 needs to be seamless and unobtrusive, avoiding jarring visible results that may distract or confuse the consumer. For example, the transition from an error state to a standard state needs to be clean, maybe utilizing a refined animation or a change in coloration, to point that the difficulty has been resolved. Abrupt modifications might be disorienting and detract from the general consumer expertise.
The dynamic updating is a vital operate for this visible alert system; its functionality makes it an efficient software for guiding the consumer in the 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 strong dynamic replace mechanisms to capitalize on the advantages of one of these error signalling method.
Ceaselessly Requested Questions
The next questions tackle frequent issues and concerns concerning the implementation of an error ribbon inside software program purposes. Understanding these points 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 vibrant purple is a standard alternative, alternate options embody deep orange or a saturated yellow. The chosen coloration should distinction sharply with the applying’s background. Keep away from overly vibrant or flashing colours, which might be distracting or induce discomfort. A/B testing with consultant customers will help decide the simplest and least intrusive coloration scheme.
Query 2: How ought to the error ribbon be positioned throughout the software interface to maximise its affect with out obstructing vital 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 vital components corresponding to menu bars or toolbars. Its top have to be rigorously calibrated to keep away from obstructing important info. An alternate location is just under the primary toolbar, supplied this space is just not ceaselessly used for different interactive components.
Query 3: What sort of knowledge needs to 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 concern, its potential trigger, and urged corrective actions. Jargon and technical phrases needs to be averted. Prioritize readability and brevity; the message needs to be simply understood by customers with various ranges of technical experience. Offering a hyperlink or button to a extra detailed rationalization might be useful for advanced errors.
Query 4: How can the error ribbon be made accessible to customers with disabilities, significantly 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 supply display readers with correct descriptions of the error and its related actions. Guarantee full keyboard navigation help, permitting customers to entry and dismiss the ribbon utilizing solely the keyboard. Present enough coloration distinction for customers with visible impairments. Implement various textual content for any visible cues or icons.
Query 5: What mechanisms needs to be carried out to permit the error ribbon to replace dynamically in response to modifications within the software state or consumer actions?
Implement occasion listeners or observers that monitor related software 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 clean animations or fades to point modifications within the ribbon’s state.
Query 6: What methods might be employed to stop the error ribbon from changing into a persistent annoyance, significantly when customers are unable to resolve the underlying concern instantly?
Present choices for customers to acknowledge and quickly 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. Supply useful assets or help 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 software that enhances usability and guides customers in the direction of error decision with out disrupting their workflow.
The next sections will talk about particular code examples and implementation methods.
Implementation Ideas for Error Notification
This part presents steerage on find out how to error ribbon utilizing x successfully. The following tips tackle vital points 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 concern, avoiding obscure language. For instance, “Invalid electronic 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 stop 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 changing into a persistent distraction.
Tip 5: Incorporate Dynamic Updating: The error ribbon ought to routinely replace to replicate modifications within the software state. Guarantee dynamic updating to replicate the precise standing of the error, which is likely one of the greatest tips about find out how to error ribbon utilizing x.
Tip 6: Assure Accessibility Compliance: Adhere to accessibility tips to make sure the error ribbon is usable by people with disabilities.
Tip 7: Completely Check Error Situations: Check the error ribbon beneath numerous circumstances to confirm its performance and consumer expertise. Implementing numerous take a look at eventualities permits for higher management and implementation whenever you wish to know “find out how to error ribbon utilizing x”.
Following these implementation suggestions is essential for maximizing the advantages of visible error signaling and enhancing 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 purposes, with explicit emphasis on the design and useful concerns of using an error ribbon. Key factors included the significance of visible prominence, clear error messaging, non-intrusive design, actionable steerage, accessibility compliance, contextual relevance, persistent show, and dynamic updating. These components collectively contribute to a extra strong and user-friendly software atmosphere, minimizing the potential for knowledge loss and enhancing total consumer satisfaction.
Efficient integration of an error ribbon requires a complete understanding of those ideas. Cautious consideration of design, accessibility, and contextual relevance is paramount. By adhering to established tips and incorporating greatest practices, builders can remodel the error signaling system from a mere alert right into a beneficial software for drawback decision and improved consumer expertise. This may elevate the software program from being simply useful to a consumer pleasant piece of software program that customers will take pleasure in.
