As a particular kind of user interface, the software wizard could be called a "digital tutorial" or "online or desktop guide" that helps users to accomplish their goals.
Generally, wizards use diverse tools to "walk" human users through a process. Many of these wizards are composed of specific forms in object-oriented programming languages that frame the tutorial itself.
Through this graphical user interface, the wizard might use menus, drop-down lists, checkboxes, command buttons and other tools to automate or guide some sort of process. For example, a wizard is often included in software drivers for setup instructions. From an initial wizard screen, a user can click on a "next" button to advance to the next step in the process, while reading the text and manipulating the controls on each successive screen, to make sure that every step of the process happens properly.
These wizards also incorporate user-passive tools, for instance, "wait" screens that show clearly how much time must elapse while the computer undertakes an installation step or other task on its own.
By: Brad Rudisail Contributor. By: Kaushik Pal Contributor. By: Leah Zitter Contributor. Dictionary Dictionary Term of the Day. Before installation wizards were common, users had to copy files themselves, edit configuration files, set up control directories, and check to see if software was functioning.
A setup wizard transformed this complex set of conditions into understandable steps. The payoff of using wizard was clear — reduced support and training costs. The wizard is especially good when users lack the necessary domain knowledge.
Wizards can help in following situations:. You are designing an UI for a task that is long or complicated and it cannot be simplified. In this case, a wizard support users performing a task by lowering the learning curve. When users are forced to follow the order of tasks, users are less likely to miss important things and will hence make fewer errors. Use this pattern very carefully. Breaking up a task into smaller steps does not always provide a better user experience:.
The very need for a wizard indicates that a task may be too complicated. Even when dealing with complexity, wizards are not the slam-dunk answer for creating an optimal UI design solution. This is particularly true for software that supports creative processes such as art or coding. Tip: Allows users to choose the way they want to complete the task.
They are very focused on getting their work done. When designing your next wizard, there are also several good things you can do to ensure its effectiveness:. The hard part of designing this kind of UI is striking a balance between the sizes of the chunks and the number of them. Ideally, the process should have 3—5 steps. Putting your wizard through a usability test will help ensure the number of screens is acceptable. At each step, users need to understand clearly what the wizard is asking.
The wizard , meanwhile, believes that technology can address environmental dangers. Author J. Rowling says all religions are present at her beloved wizard school—except Wiccans. Our bad guy is Weather Wizard not a joke , who not only looks like Kurt Cobain but can use his palms to conjure angry storms. There he was found by old Makitok, and for some time the giant and the wizard held converse together.
Buchanan the historian was, from his learning, thought in his days of superstition to be a wizard. But the Wizard of the North touched Scotia's rough hills with the rosy hues of his romance. Mute, crushed by the genius of this wizard , he was forced to believe in impossible things by his doing them.
They still live in the Emerald City, and the Wizard takes good care of them and teaches them to do all sorts of tricks.
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