Context Menu System

The ‘Context Menu System’ is an innovation in usability.  Modern operating systems & applications utilise context meaning, for example, just right click something in Windows and a context menu will appear.   The innovation we refer to is using the context menu system in such a way, as not to distract or confuse the user with a myriad of functions or task bars not relating to the current task at hand.

Take a moment of reflect on Microsoft Word, Outlook or Excel. Can you visualize the menu system in these applications?  Here’s an example from Microsoft Word for Macintosh:

Image: Microsoft Word menu system

What is evident here is function overload, yes they do try to categorise the functions by using tabs, however all of the functions remain on the screen whether you can use them or not, this is how we differ.

We only display the functions that directly relate to the selected object, Users Role & Scope. This removes the clutter from the screen thereby reducing complexity and enhancing the user experience. 

Function Categories

The functions are categorised by using 4 distinct icons and are uniform across all modules; note however that not all function categories are visible on every object, as the users Role also plays a part in what the user can see and use.

	Add The Add Function menu allows you to add data to an object.  It could be a Pressure check, Task, Alert or even add to a group.  It all depends on the object selected.
	Edit The Edit Function menu allows you to edit information associated with the object.  This could be editing its details, moving an assembly to a new position or moving to a new fleet.
	Reports The Reporting Function provides access to specific reports relating to the selected object.  This allows the user to gain focused information without needing to navigate to the Reports module.
	View The view menu is specifically designed for users who don’t have edit rights to assets.  It provides a window for users who need to review asset details but not edit them.