Integration

Simplification can lead to the creation of many simple, isolated task, and thus applications. Often, it is necessary to integrate these tasks in order to make them accessible to users. For example, a number of isolated self-service tasks can be integrated into a framework that provides easy access to the services.

Today, integration is often provided through a huge menu tree, leaving the users helplessly alone in a maze of functionality. Abstract integration using trees or net structures does not conform to human mental habits and is often a very inefficient way to organize tasks.

Yet, simplification by integration, or put differently, the integration of simple, elementary tasks into a coherent unit can be a real challenge.

Why Integration?

Integration serves several purposes:

It makes a diverse or complex functionality that is distributed on several different program modules available and accessible for users.
It simplifies the use of the different modules, for example, by providing predetermined sequences that conform to standard tasks
It provides a common framework for different modules that enables users to create useful mental models of the application

How You Can Apply Integration

Integration may be achieved through several approaches. Here, are a few examples:

Using the task flow or work flow
Using the object structure
Using metaphors
Using a framework, such as a business environment, a company organization, etc.

Integration through Task Flow or Work Flow

A task may consist of steps that are separate units of their own but must be processed in a specific order. Organizational aids that display the task flow or work flow help users to step through their tasks in case that the separate tasks are more complex.

Such organizers may be simple lists, trees, or graphical representations, such as flow charts or more concrete pictures.

Integration through the Object Structure

If the tasks are related to processing the different parts or aspects of an object, the object structure may be used to integrate the subtasks.

Again, simple lists, trees, or graphical representations of the object may serve as integrators of the subtasks.

Integration through Metaphors

In some cases, the task may be closely related to real-world environments or may have a structure that corresponds to such an environment. Here, you can use a real-world environment as an integration metaphor for your simple applications.

An often used example is the house or room metaphor, where different rooms correspond to different subtasks or simple applications. Moving from one task to the other means moving from one room to the other. The floor plan can serve as an overview of the applications.

Integration through a Framework

It is not always possible to find a useful metaphor for integrating tasks. Sometimes a more abstract framework can provide the same effect. For instance, the organizational structure of a company or institution may serve as an integration arena.

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