Method and system for training users to utilize multimodal user interfaces

Abstract

Training for a multimodal user interface may be organized into a plurality of modules. In embodiment, modules may include data corresponding to a “Push to Talk” tool, a set of data corresponding to navigation through a graphic user interface via voice input, and a set of data corresponding to entering data into a graphic user interface via voice input. Such training may be implemented in a variety of manners, including those which utilize data stored on a computer readable medium. Also, the structure and content of training may be streamlined and directed towards teaching a user to operate a multimodal user interface in an adequate manner. The structure and content of training may be configured to work in conjunction with the operation of a multimodal user interface being used in a real-time setting.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A system for training a user of a multimodal user interface to use the multimodal user interface comprising:
 a computer usable medium having a computer readable program code embedded thereon, the computer readable program code encoded with computer-executable instructions to provide a service simulation module and one or more tools and functions, that perform simulated transactions within the multimodal user interface, and provide feedback on performance of the simulated transactions; and   an electronic device operable to communicate with the computer usable medium and display the service simulation module, wherein the electronic device comprises at least one instrument configured to allow the user to interact with the service simulation module.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the service simulation module is configured to present instructions to the user to operate the multimodal user interface in a streamlined manner, wherein the streamlined manner of operation comprises the ability to navigate the multimodal user interface non-sequentially based on data provided by the user. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein the computer readable program code is encoded with computer-executable instructions to:
 provide a basic concepts module that provides a description of the tools and functions that are used within the multimodal user interface;   provide an advanced concepts module that provides the description of the tools and functions, and further provides exercises for using each of the tools and functions; and   provide a coaching module that provides optimization and remediation techniques for transactions performed using the multimodal user interface, wherein the optimization and remediation techniques are based on the user's interaction with at least one of the basic concepts module, the advanced concepts module and the service simulation module.   
     
     
         4 . A system comprising:
 a computer having a computer readable medium, the computer readable medium comprising:
 a plurality of modules of increasing degrees of complexity and configured to aid a user in learning to operate a multimodal user interface; and 
 an electronic device operable to communicate with the computer readable medium and display the plurality of modules, wherein the electronic device comprises at least one instrument configured to allow the user to interact with the plurality of modules; 
 wherein the plurality of modules are configured to allow the user to operate the multimodal user interface in a streamlined manner, wherein the streamlined manual of operation comprises the ability to navigate the multimodal user interface non-sequentially based on data provided by the user. 
   
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 4 , wherein the plurality of modules comprise:
 a basic concepts module;   an advanced concepts module having a higher degree of complexity than the basic concepts module;   a service simulation module having a higher degree of complexity than the advanced concepts module; and   a coaching module having a higher degree of complexity than the service simulation module.   
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 5 , wherein the basic concepts module is configured to:
 provide the user with a general description of the multimodal user interface;   provide the user with a description of a plurality of tools and functions which may be used with the multimodal user interface;   assess the user's knowledge of the basic concepts module.   
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 6 , wherein the advanced concepts module is configured to:
 provide the user with hands-on exercises designed to ensure competence with the tools and functions provided by the multimodal user interface;   provide the user with a result based on the user's interaction with the tools and functions; and   assess the user's knowledge of the advanced concepts module.   
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 7 , wherein the service simulation module is configured to:
 simulate a real-life multimodal user interface to allow a user to practice simulated transactions; and   provide feedback to the user based on their interaction with the simulated transaction.   
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 8 , wherein the coaching module is configured to:
 provide the user with training on frequently encountered situations in the multimodal user interface;   provide the user with a review of frequently encountered situations;   allow the user to handle live transactions under the supervision of a coach;   record the user's performance during the live transaction; and   provide feedback to the user based on their performance in handling the live transaction.