Wizard (software)

From Free net encyclopedia

Image:Mac OS X Assistant.png A wizard is an interactive computer program which acts as an interface to lead a user through a complex task, using step-by-step dialogs.

One example of a wizard is the Microsoft Windows "Internet Connection Wizard", which sets up a computer's network settings by asking the user for information on how the computer is connected to the Internet. Windows makes frequent use of small rule-based wizards to assist with several configuration tasks. An online airline ticket booking web site is another example of a wizard. In Mac OS X they are called "Assistants", some examples include the "Setup Assistant", which is run when one boots the Macintosh for the first time or the "Network Setup Assistant", which has similar function to the aforementioned "Internet Connection Wizard".

By contrast, expert systems guide the user through a series of (usually yes/no) questions to solve a problem, and tend to make use of artificial intelligence or other complex algorithms. Some consider expert systems as a general category that includes all problem-solving programs including wizards.

Wizards were controversial among user interface designers when they first gained widespread use, because they encourage modal windows, which some consider antithetical to proper human interface design. Supporters of the wizard paradigm argue that compliance with what they consider to be arbitrary laws should be secondary to ease of use in interface design.

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