Patent Application
20140258183
This patent document contains material subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the reproduction of this patent document or any related materials in the files of the United States Patent and Trademark Office, but otherwise reserves all copyrights whatsoever.
This application includes the following appendices which are considered part of the application:
Appendix A—tables and exemplary data structures.
Appendix B—source code.
This invention relates to systems, methods and devices supporting interactive personal and professional guidance. More specifically, this invention relates to systems, methods and devices supporting interactive personal and professional guidance in getting unstuck.
People often get stuck. Sometimes they get stuck in personal problems, sometimes in professional problems, sometimes both. Sometimes a person is stuck alone, and sometimes they are stuck with others. Often people don't even know or admit they're stuck, although their situation may be apparent to others. Too often, however, people do know that they're stuck (e.g., unable to make a decision or act), but they don't know how to move forward and get unstuck. All too often people who are stuck believe that they have no way out and that they are alone and even unique in their stuck situation.
It is desirable to provide a way to help people get unstuck.
Other objects, features, and characteristics of the present invention as well as the methods of operation and functions of the related elements of structure, and the combination of parts and economies of manufacture, will become more apparent upon consideration of the following description and the appended claims with reference to the accompanying drawings, all of which form a part of this specification.
Various other objects, features and attendant advantages of the present invention will become fully appreciated as the same becomes better understood when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters designate the same or similar parts throughout the several views, and wherein:
o describe aspects of operation of various exemplary tools.
In a presently preferred implementation, the system 102 is implemented as a software application on a portable device such as an Apple iPad.
The system is organized around a “See, Believe, Think, Act” paradigm, e.g., as shown in
Each of these archetypes corresponds to one or more configurations or states of the SBTA.
Each of the archetypes Aj corresponds to one of the overarching SBTA categories. For the example archetypes shown above, the corresponding SBTA categories are shown in the following table (Table I).
Those of skill in the art will realize and understand, upon reading this description, that different and/or other archetypes may be used, and that different names or descriptions of the various archetypes may be used. As there are four states in the SBTA paradigm, there are sixteen possible combinations of See, Believe, Think, and Act, leading to sixteen possible archetypes. However, the system is not limited by the number of archetypes used on to the SBTA paradigm.
In order to help someone get unstuck (i.e., to provide a prescription to that person), it is first necessary to determine the archetype(s) to which their current stuck state corresponds. It should be appreciated that a particular stuck state may correspond to more than one archetype.
Once the archetype is determined (as described below), the user may be provided with a corresponding prescription (denoted Rxi for the i-th archetype Ai). The prescription is something that the user needs to do in order to get unstuck. In addition, as will be discussed below, the user may be provided with one or more tools to help carry out the prescription. The following table summarizes exemplary prescriptions and tools for the eleven (11) archetypes shown above.
Those of skill in the art will realize and understand, upon reading this description, that different and/or other prescriptions and/or tools may be used for any particular archetype. It should also be appreciated that the tool names are exemplary and possibly descriptive, and that each tool name preferably corresponds to a software tool (application) that can operate on the same device as the unstuck application.
The archetype(s) to which a user (or a user's stuck state) corresponds is a function of (at least) that user's feelings and thoughts relating to that stuck state.
As part of the analysis of a particular user's stuck situation, it is generally preferable to know whether or not this situation involves the user alone or the user with one or more others. It is also preferable to know whether the user is stuck in a personal situation or a professional situation. This information is used to tailor the diagnostic process and the prescription(s).
A user may have or be having a number of feelings relating to a particular stuck state. These user feelings are selected from a set of feelings (denoted Fi that are weighted across the archetypes Ai). Thus, e.g., feeling Fi will have a corresponding weight wi,j for each of the archetypes Aj. In a presently preferred implementation there are eighteen (18) feelings that are weighted (1-5) across all eleven (11) archetypes. In a presently preferred implementation these eighteen feelings are:
Those of skill in the art will realize and understand, upon reading this description, that different and/or other feelings may be used. For example, the feeling “Frustrated” may be used in addition to or instead of one of the listed feelings.
It should be appreciated that the archetypes are numbered here for descriptive purposes, and the numbering is not intended to imply any ordering or preference for any archetypes.
The table in
It should be appreciated that the feelings are numbered here for descriptive purposes, and the numbering is not intended to imply any ordering or preference for any feelings.
Thoughts
A user may have or be having a number of thoughts relating to a particular stuck state. These user thoughts are selected from a set of thoughts (denoted Ti that are weighted across the archetypes Ai). Thus, e.g., feeling Ti will have a corresponding weight twi,j for each of the archetypes Aj. However, unlike the feelings, the thoughts are preferably given a non-zero weighting for one archetype and a zero weight for all of the other archetypes. In a present implementation each thought Ti is given a weighting of ten (10) toward a specific archetype and a weighting of zero (0) for all other archetypes. In other words, for each thought Ti, and for each archetype Aj, twi,j is either zero or ten, and twi,j is only ten for one of the archetypes Aj.
In a present implementation there are 139 thoughts that are weighted across all eleven (11) archetypes. The exemplary 139 thoughts are listed in the Thoughts Table (Table III) in Appendix A hereto and are considered part of this description. For example, as shown in the Thoughts Table, thought T1 is “I don't have enough to go on” and is weighted 10 for the archetype “Tunnel Visionary” and weighted zero for all other archetypes. As another example, the thought T60 is “Change is hard” and is weighted 10 for the archetype “Reluctant Adapter” and zero of all other archetypes.
The archetype for which a thought is weighted 10 is also referred to as that thought's archetype category. So, in the examples just give, the thought T1 is in the archetype category “Tunnel Visionary” and the thought T60 is in the archetype category “Reluctant Adapter”.
It should be appreciated that the thoughts are numbered here for descriptive purposes, and the numbering is not intended to imply any ordering or preference for any thoughts.
In addition, each thought is also categorized as one of Seeing, believing, thinking, or acting. This categorization is referred to as the thought's SBTA category. Table IV in Appendix A shows the thoughts by SBTA Category for a current implementation.
Not all thoughts are applicable to all users or user situations, and the total set of thoughts is preferably pruned for each analysis based on information that the user has already provided. In particular, the applicability of a thought may depend on whether the user is stuck alone or with one or more others, and/or on whether the user is stuck personally or professionally. In this regard, each thought Ti is flagged with one or more flags corresponding to whether or not that thought relates to (or is applicable to) a stuck situation of the user alone (flag “me”), a stuck situation of the user plus one other (flag “me plus 1”), a stuck situation of the user plus 2 or more others (flag “me plus 2”), whether the stuck situation is personal (flag “personal”) or professional (flag “professional”).
Table V in Appendix A shows the flags corresponding to the 139 thoughts in a current implementation. For example, the thought T7 (“We don't know enough to really get it”) is not applicable to a stuck situation for the user alone, but is appropriate to all of the other situations. Hence that thought has the flag “me” set to 0 and the other flags set to “1”.
Doing
A user may be doing a number of things related to their stuck situation. Ascertaining what the user is doing may be used as part of the diagnosis of that user's stuck situation. What the user is doing is denoted Di, and each doing is categorized as one of the overarching categories “See”, “Believe”, “Think”, “Act”. Each doing Di is also categorized according to a prescription (Rxi). Table VI (in Appendix A hereto) shows a list of 64 “doings” mapped to corresponding prescriptions categories and SBTA categories. For example, as shown in the Table IV, the doing D25 (“Second-guessing yourself”) corresponds to the prescription “Take a stand” and to the SBTA category “Believing”.
It should be appreciated that not all entries in the Doing list will be applicable to all user's unstuck situations. In particular, the applicability of a “doing” may depend on whether the user's stuck situation is alone or with others, or whether it is personal or professional. In this regard, each doing Di is preferably flagged with one or more flags corresponding to whether or not that doing relates to (or is applicable to) a stuck situation of the user alone (flag “me”), a stuck situation of the user plus one other (flag “me plus 1”), a stuck situation of the user plus 2 or more others (flag “me plus 2”), whether the stuck situation is personal (flag “personal”) or professional (flag “professional”). In the example list of doings given in Table IV, all doings are considered applicable to all situations, and so the flags are all set to one (and are not shown).
Each doing (Di) is assigned a weight for each of the prescription categories (Rx). In the present implementation, each doing (Di) is assigned a weight of ten (10) for the corresponding prescription category (as shown in Table IV), and a weight of zero (0) for all other prescription categories. Table V shows the prescription category weights for each of the doings (Di) in Table IV.
The process of getting a user unstuck (diagnosis and prescription) is now described with reference to the flow chart in
The process described here is based on the exemplary data provided in this description. These tables will preferably be stored in a memory of the device on which the system is operating (e.g., in a memory of the iPad). While these tables have been shown here as separate tables, those of skill in the art will realize and understand, upon reading this description, that information in the tables may be combined in different data structures or tables, and that some of the information shown here may be derived from other information stored in the tables. The combination of the data in the tables, however stored, is also referred to as the database.
With reference to
Having selected a particular feeling, the user is then asked to rank that feeling. As shown in the example in
A value (denoted insight Value) is calculated based on the three selected feelings and their selected weights, as rated by the user, as follows:
insightValue=feeling1 weight*(feeling 1 rating/10)+feeling2 weight*(feeling 2 rating/10)+feeling3 weight*(feeling 3 rating/10)
As the user selects feelings, they may be highlighted and/or numbered on the display screen (
Next the system determines who is involved in this “stuck” situation (the user alone or with one or more others), and whether it is a personal or professional situation (or both). Thus, the system determines the party or parties involved (
At this point the system knows the user's feelings (from step 402) and the party or parties involved (user alone or with others) and whether or not the stuck situation is personal and/or professional. This information can be used to set the various flags: “me” “me plus 1”, “me plus 2”, “personal”, and “professional”.
The system may ask the user what they are stuck on at this point. Although that information may be helpful to the user, in a preferred implementation it is not used to diagnose the stuck moment. The system may provide a free-form text entry to allow the user to describe their stuck moment and/or some of the entities involved. (
Next the system determines the user's thoughts (
Recall that there is a set of thoughts that are weighted to each archetype. These are not weighted across archetypes like the feelings. They are each given a weighting of 10 points toward a specific archetype. The system picks twenty two (22) thoughts, two (2) thoughts at random (from the Thoughts table—Appendix A) from each of the 11 archetype categories, and the user is asked to sort those thoughts into one of two groups (as either applicable or not applicable to the user in the current stuck situation). As can be seen, the Thoughts table has a number of possible thoughts with a weighting of 10 for each archetype (e.g., as shown in the Thoughts table in Appendix A, there are 13 thoughts that correspond to archetype “Tunnel Visionary”), and so a user should preferably be given different “thoughts” to pick from each time they use the system.
As shown in
The user sorts through all 22 thoughts and puts them into either “so me” or “so not me”.
The thoughts that are put in the “so me” bucket all get 10 points attributed to their corresponding archetype. The thoughts that are put into the “so not me” category have zero points attributed to the corresponding archetype.
Next the system determines an archetype for the user in the current stuck situation (at 408). The system uses the points from the feelings and thoughts to determine which of the eleven (11) archetypes has the most points.
The insight value (insight Value) is adjusted to include values corresponding to the selected thoughts (sorted into the “so me” bucket). The insight value is also adjusted to include the values of the flags.
Next (at 410), the system determines what the user is doing about the current stuck situation. Based on the total of feelings and thoughts determined above, the user is served up with “doings” from all of the archetypes that fall within the corresponding overarching category (See, Believe, Think, Act). As shown in
For example, if the user has the most points toward the archetype Adlibber after feelings and thoughts are totaled, then she falls into the overarching category of Think. So, she will be served up the doings that correspond to Adlibber, Fuzzy Forecaster, and Perplexed Planner because these are all archetypes in the Think category.
If after the feelings and thoughts are totaled, there is a tie between archetypes that fall within different overarching categories (e.g., Think and Believe), then the user is served up the doings for only the two archetypes that are tied (not the two whole overarching categories). For example, if the user has the same number of points for Adlibber and Waffler after the feelings and thoughts are totaled, she will be given the doings for just Adlibber and Waffler, not all of the doings for their overarching categories Think and Believe.
The user picks doings (preferably 3) from the list that is served up to her. Each doing is weighted at 10 points to a specific archetype (see Table V). The selected Doings points are added to the total points from the Feelings and Thoughts and the archetype that has the most points attributed to it is the diagnosis for that stuck moment that is served up to the user (at 412). For example, in a current implementation, as shown in
In some cases, when a person goes through the diagnostic, if they indicate that the stuck moment is me+l or me+others, they are presented with a set of relationship symptoms at the end of the diagnostic before the diagnostic summary. They are asked to choose one of the symptoms that applies to their situation. One of the options is “none of these apply”. As a result of this query, the system can set a symptom type “relationship”. In a present implementation there are nine (9) relationship types, including “none” (Leadership, Respect, Trust, Working style, Accountability, Alignment, Chemistry, Communications, None).
Table VII in Appendix A shows a list of example statements/questions and corresponding relationship types.
The user is served up one symptom from each of the relationship category types, and, based on which symptom they pick, they are put in that category (Leadership, Respect, Trust, Working style, Accountability, Alignment, Chemistry, Communications, None) and given tips for resolving that particular type of relationship issue.
Recall (from Table I), that each diagnostic archetype has a corresponding prescription as well as one or more corresponding tools. For example, the archetype “blind observer” (also referred to as “Tunnel Visionary”) has a prescription of “Stray from the usual” and a corresponding tool “Map it out.” Preferably (as shown in
As shown in
As noted earlier, there may be more than one tool that will help a particular user in any particular stuck moment. In a preferred implementation the user is provided with access (or limited access) to one appropriate tool, and is then given an option to acquire full access (if only limited access was provided) or to acquire other appropriate tools. The user may have to download and pay for those other tools or may be able to access them by acquiring a key to unlock them. In either case, payment can be handled in a manner known in the art. For example, when the system is implemented on an Apple iPad, the user may purchase the tools from the Apple Store in a well-known manner.
Computing
The operations and acts shown and described in
One of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate and understand, upon reading this description, that the various processes described herein may be implemented by, e.g., appropriately programmed general purpose computers, special purpose computers and computing devices. One or more such computers or computing devices may be referred to as a computer system (as noted above,
As used herein, a “processor” means one or more microprocessors, central processing units (CPUs), computing devices, microcontrollers, digital signal processors, or like devices or any combination thereof, regardless of their architecture. An apparatus that performs a process can include, e.g., a processor and those devices such as input devices and output devices that are appropriate to perform the process.
The program(s) described herein, including the unstuck application and the tools will typically reside as programs in the memory/memories of one or more computers and/or, in part, on interaction devices.
Programs that implement such methods (as well as other types of data) may be stored and transmitted using a variety of media (e.g., computer readable media) in a number of manners. Hard-wired circuitry or custom hardware may be used in place of, or in combination with, some or all of the software instructions that can implement the processes of various embodiments. Thus, various combinations of hardware and software may be used instead of software only.
As used herein, the term “computer-readable medium” refers to any medium, a plurality of the same, or a combination of different media, which participate in providing data (e.g., instructions, data structures) which may be read by a computer, a processor or a like device. Such a medium may take many forms, including but not limited to, non-volatile media, volatile media, and transmission media. Non-volatile media include, for example, optical or magnetic disks and other persistent memory. Volatile media include dynamic random access memory 208, which typically constitutes the main memory of the computer. Transmission media include coaxial cables, copper wire and fiber optics, including the wires that comprise a system bus coupled to the processor. Transmission media may include or convey acoustic waves, light waves and electromagnetic emissions, such as those generated during radio frequency (RF) and infrared (IR) data communications. Common forms of computer-readable media include, for example, a floppy disk, a flexible disk, hard disk, magnetic tape, any other magnetic medium, a CD-ROM, DVD, any other optical medium, punch cards, paper tape, any other physical medium with patterns of holes, a RAM, a PROM, an EPROM, a FLASH-EEPROM, any other memory chip or cartridge, a carrier wave as described hereinafter, or any other medium from which a computer can read.
Various forms of computer readable media may be involved in carrying data (e.g. sequences of instructions) to a processor. For example, data may be (i) delivered from RAM to a processor; (ii) carried over a wireless transmission medium; (iii) formatted and/or transmitted according to numerous formats, standards or protocols; and/or (iv) encrypted in any of a variety of ways well known in the art.
A computer-readable medium can store (in any appropriate format) those program elements which are appropriate to perform the method.
One of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate and understand, upon reading this description, that embodiments of an apparatus may include a computer/computing device operable to perform some (but not necessarily all) of the described process.
Embodiments of a computer-readable medium storing a program or data structure include a computer-readable medium storing a program that, when executed, can cause a processor to perform some (but not necessarily all) of the described process.
In the following sections, an archetype is given (e.g., “blind observer”) and then a prescription is listed. Based at least in part on the archetype/prescription (and what the user needs), one or more tools may be useful to the user.
Various exemplary tools are described here with reference to the drawings in
The tools described here may run via a web interface or on a portable device (e.g., an iPad or the like).
Tool Goal: By focusing on your situation in a different way, you will see your stuck moment in a different way. And with your new perspective, you can begin to move forward.
With reference to
Sharables/Printables
User can share any or all of her to-dos. For example: “I want to start a new side project. Using the Unstuck iPad app, I've come up with to-do items that will help me reach my goal. Here is one of my to-dos (are my to-dos). What do you think? [Link to web site, e.g., Unstuck.com.'” User can email and/or print final list, which can be used as a to-do list.
After running the tool the user is given a “call to action”, e.g., “Congratulations! You've mapped out your stuck moment and come up with ways to move past it. For further inspiration and motivation, try the Visualize tool.”
Tool Goal: By exposing yourself to different things and experiences, you'll be reinspired to see your stuck in a new way.
With reference to
In the example in the drawing, she picks “afraid” and is asked to think of three places that inspire confidence in her, three faces, three things, and three experiences (at 822). These details will make up her “seeing” agenda.
Some categories may be prepopulated with examples to help them think of where to start (at 824). The user is encouraged to seek out the input of friends and family on social network sites such as Facebook and the like for ideas on places to visit that they may not have thought of (at 826). When done completing the net of places, faces, things, and experiences, a journal opens with instructions for how to use it while on their “Get Out” tour. The journal compiles their entries from the previous steps. (at 828) For each item on their list, they are asked to document the experience through photos, sketches, or typed descriptions (at 830). Questions accompany each section, e.g.,:
The “things I can apply to my stuck” could eventually be compiled into a to-do list. In some implementations, users are able to share sections of their journal and/or photos.
Sharables/Printables
User can upload a question to social network sites such as Facebook asking for ideas on places to go visit, things to do, etc. User can upload photos with statements to Facebook or the like or email them to friends. User can print their journal.
Tool Goal: Find out if any parts of your routine are holding you back from being inspired.
With reference to
Sharables/Printables
Once toggle is done for each item on the list, user can share this decision socially. For example: “I want to get Unstuck, I'm no longer going to cook dinner every night. I've decided to taper off What do you think?” Link to web site, e.g., Unstuck.com. User can email and/or print final list, which can be used as a to-do list.
Call to Action at End of Tool:
After running the tool the user is given a “call to action”, e.g., “Your new routine should give you the room you need to get unstuck. Push to gallery of tools.”
1. Balancing work and home life;
2. Almost content with current self, but coming short of being completely satisfied Am I ready to deal with everything that comes with a decision?;
3. Should I pay for the house to be refinished or save the money?
4. Deciding if i want to have kids;
5. My wife and I are stuck trying to figure out our new married estate plan
Suggested Tool: Pros Vs. Pros
Tool Goal: You will discover what is more important to you. With this knowledge you are free to come up with a plan.
With reference to
Sharables/Printables
The score is sharable on a social networking site such as Facebook. For example: “I'm trying to decide if I should stay at home or go back to work. Using the Unstuck iPad app, I scored 14 for stay at home, 12 for go back to work. What do you think?” Preferably people preview what will be shown on Facebook so it isn't a surprise. Final answers and statement are emailable and printable.
Call to Action at End of Tool:
Depends on outcome, as stated in flow.
Suggested Tool: Pros Vs. Pros
Tool Goal: You will discover what is more important to you. With this knowledge you are free to come up with a plan.
With reference to
They are asked to sketch/grab a photo/describe their options (870). They are then asked to select categories of criteria that apply to their stuck moment. To inspire them, provide examples and possibly stream answers from other users (872). What matters most to them when making this decision. They can also add categories if they want to. The following exercise is a gut check with a fast paced gaming quality to it. Its split decision time and we're here to force them off of the fence (874). The first category pops up with both of the options and they need to select which option delvers best on those criteria in a matter of seconds (876). A timer is used to make sure the user doesn't mull over the answer but goes from her gut. They continue to cycle through the criteria they've established choosing one option over the other along the way (878). The score is tallied (880). If the spread is small (e.g., 1-3 point difference) user will be encouraged to either try it again and be more discerning or use another Waffler tool. If spread is medium (e.g., 4-7), messaging indicates there is a winner, but asks user test out the decision with a few questions, such as How does this decision feel? (supply answer choices) Would you be proud to tell your closest friend about the decision? (supply answer choices) Do you think you might change your mind about this decision? (supply answer choices). If spread is large (e.g., 8 and above) user is congratulated for coming up with an answer that frees them up to move forward, and is encouraged to move to a planning tool.
Sharables/Printables
The score is sharable on Facebook or other social network sites. For example: “I'm trying to decide if I should stay at home or go back to work. Using the Unstuck Pad app, I scored 14 for stay at home, 12 for go back to work. What do you think?” (Preferably people preview what will be shown on Facebook so it isn't a surprise.) Final answers and statement are emailable and printable
Call to Action at End of Tool:
Depends on outcome, as stated in flow.
Tool Goal: You will test out a possible decision before you make it. Let your immediate reactions guide you in the right direction.
With reference to
Calls to Action
After running the tool the user is given a “call to action”, e.g.,
Sharables/Printables
The gut-check is shared on Facebook. For example: “I feel bad about my goal to [what user wrote]. I did a gut-check using the Unstuck iPad app, and I think I need a different goal. What do you think?” Communications and final message are emailable and printable, as appropriate
Call to action at end of tool: Depends on outcome, as stated in flow.
Tool Goal: You will discover if what has worked for you in the past still works of if you need to change your approach.
With reference to
After answering the questions, she can opt to spin again (910). If the spinner lands on an action that is not an option, the option grays out (912). She can then spin again and the next spin will skip over the previous option (914). User must select at least two options, but is not required to complete the entire wheel. Once two options are selected, the chart, shown in next board (916), starts to build. She taps the “tally” button and she sees a graphical display of all her options, the tallest ones being those she rated most confidence in, the shortest with the least confidence. Now the user has a clearer picture of where she feels most comfortable moving ahead. If this path feels right for her, try the planner tool to move ahead. If still waffling, try picturing the goal with the Visionary tool (918).
Sharables/Printables
The score is sharable, e.g., on Facebook or some other social networking site. For example: “I'm trying to decide if I should stay at home or go back to work. Using the Unstuck iPad app, I scored 14 for stay at home, 12 for go back to work. What do you think?” Final answers and statement are emailable and printable.
Call to action at end of tool: see last board.
Tool Goal: You will get to the root of why you're having trouble achieving your goal.
With reference to
Tool Goal/You will discover how you feel about making a change by putting things in perspective. This perspective will be your compass for getting unstuck.
User is asked to write out her goal (938). User is asked to select which areas of her life will be affected if the goal is achieved (940). This is prepopulated with categories, such as People, Health, Home, Work, etc. User can write in additional ones. User selects her categories (942) and puts them in order of how much each will be affected. For each category, one at a time, user writes the answer to the question (944, 946): How will this be affected? App provides general guidance for this, either an audio instruction or a pop-up of sample answers. Then user ranks the importance of this impact to her, using a sliding scale. The screen starts to build out an infographic (948, 950) to show the reach of the impact that their success can have. Screen displays concentric circles. Goal is the middle circle. The circle around the goal is the category ordered most affected by the user in Board 3, and so on. This shows a ripple effect. The importance rankings from Board 4 are indicated by the thickness or thinness of the bands. By tapping on any of the circles, the circle turns to display the subcategory content (952).
Call to Action at End of Tool:
After running the tool the user is given a “call to action”, e.g., audio, celebratory voice on chart screen: “Look how much impact this goal has on your life. Like what you see? Start making a plan with the planning tool.”
Sharables/Printables
The chart is sharable on Facebook. For example: “My goal is to [whatever goal user wrote]. Using the Unstuck iPad app, I discovered fresh perspective by charting how it would affect different areas of my life. What do you think?” Final answers and statement are emailable and printable (e.g., as refrigerator art). In some cases the chart can be made into the backdrop on the user's device (e.g. iPad).
Tool Goal: By examining your goal from different angles you will see it in a fresh, clear way. Clarity will get you unstuck!
With reference to
Sharables/Printables
The collage is sharable on social network networks such as, e.g., Facebook. For example: “My goal is to [whatever the goal they wrote]. I was inspired to clarify it, using the Unstuck iPad app, so I created this collage. What do you think?” Collage is emailable and printable (e.g., as refrigerator art).
Tool Goal/You will discover the joy of organization. An organized plan frees you up to act on your goal.
With reference to
Call to action at end of tool: “You have a plan! And now you're ready to move past your Unstuck moment. Remember, you can always revise your plan using this tool, should things change.”
Sharables/Printables
The To Do list is sharable on social network sites, e.g., Facebook. For example: “My goal is to [whatever goal user wrote]. Using the Unstuck iPad app, I came up with a plan to make it happen. Check it out and let me know what you think.” To Do list is emailable and printable (e.g., as refrigerator art).
Tool goal: By seeing your stuck moment through the eyes of someone else, you'll gain fresh perspective and fresh ideas to move ahead.
With reference to
Sharables/Printables
User can share any of the type perspectives she creates and/or the super fresh statement she writes at the end. For example: “Finding time outside of work has me stuck. Using the Unstuck iPad app, I looked at this from the perspective of a doctor, artist, and banker, and I've come up with this super fresh start: [whatever goal user wrote]. What do you think? [link to Unstuck.com]” User can email and/or print final list, which can be used as a to-do list.
Call to Action at End of Tool
After running the tool the user is given a “call to action”, e.g., “If you like your idea for a super fresh start, keep the momentum going by using the planning tool. If it doesn't seem right, try again using other people's perspective or try the Obstacle Course tool.”
Tool goal: By identifying what is keeping you stuck, you can begin to find ways to remove those obstacles and move forward.
With reference to
Sharables/Printables
User can share any or all of the obstacles. For example: “I am stuck getting my church group to work on a project. Using the Unstuck iPad app, I have identified my obstacles and plans to move past them. What do you think?” User can email and/or print final list, which can be used as a to-do list.
Call to Action at End of Tool
After running the tool the user is given a “call to action”, e.g., “Congratulations! You've made an important first step toward getting unstuck by creating a to-do list of obstacles and how to get past them. Use it as your guide to moving forward. And remember, you can always revise it as things change in your life. Just come back to Unstuck and modify your course.”
Tool goal: Sometimes it takes a little help from our friends, or making new friends, to move ahead. Let's put together your cavalry! ‘
With reference to
Sharables/Printables
User can share her search for a cavalry member or her entire cavalry. For example: “I want to buy a new car, but I'm stuck. Using the Unstuck iPad app, I've learned that a financial whiz would help me get unstuck. Can you recommend anyone?” User can email and/or print the final list, which can be used as a to-do list.
Call to Action at End of Tool
After running the tool the user is given a “call to action”, e.g., “Charge! By putting together a group with the skills or knowledge you need, you've pushed yourself free of your stuck moment. Keep the momentum going by planning out your next steps with the planning tool.”
Tool Goal: You'll find out if its fear or something else that's holding you back and the help you'll need to get past it.
With reference to FIG. 8-o, the user is asked a series of questions to see if her avoidance can be addressed by any of the other tools. First, she is asked a question that would lead to Blind Observer, Map It Out tool. if she answers Yes, she goes to tool. If she answers No, she goes to next question. Asked a question to see if she is a Waffler. If yes, she goes to Pros vs Pros tool. If No, she goes to next question. Asked a question to see if she is an Ad Libber. If Yes, she goes to Get Your Game On tool. If no, she goes to next question. Asked a question to see if she is In Over Her Head. If Yes, she goes to Call in the Cavalry tool. If no, she goes to next question. If user doesn't need any of the tools, she simply needs a push to make her goal happen. We message to that and provide tips that help her overcome her fear.
Sharables/Printables
User can share her what she's really stuck on and what she plans to do about it. For example: “I want to repair my relationship with dad. Using the Unstuck iPad app, I've realized that it is fear keeping me back. I'm going to try [ . . . ] to get past it. What do you think?” User can email and/or print tips from last screen, which can be used as a to-do list.
Call to Action at End of Tool:
After running the tool the user is given a “call to action”, e.g., “You're so close to being unstuck! Read through the tips to see if any of these can help you reach success. If they don't give you the push you need, go to the tool gallery for more help, or you may need to start your Stuck Moment over. {links to tool gallery and diagnosis start page}”
Where a process is described herein, those of skill in the art will appreciate that the process may operate without any user intervention. In another embodiment, the process includes some human intervention (e.g., a step is performed by or with the assistance of a human).
As used herein the words “first”, “second”, and so on, when used as adjectives before a term, are merely used to distinguish similar terms, and their use does not imply or define any numerical limits or any ordering (temporal or otherwise).
Thus are described systems and methods supporting interactive personal and professional guidance and assistance in getting unstuck.
While the invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiment, but on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.
This application is related to and claims priority from, filed Oct. 5, 2012, the entire contents of which are hereby fully incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. This application is related to and claims priority from the following United States provisional patent applications, the entire contents of each of which are hereby fully incorporated herein for all purposes: (1) Application No. U.S. 61/543,493, titled “Systems, Methods and Devices Supporting Interactive Personal and Professional Guidance,” filed Oct. 5, 2011; (2) Application No. U.S. 61/543,471, titled “Systems, Methods and Devices Supporting Interactive Personal and Professional Guidance,” filed Oct. 5, 2011; and (3) Application No. U.S. 61/543,348, titled “Systems, Methods and Devices Supporting Interactive Personal and Professional Guidance,” filed Oct. 5, 2011.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 61543493 | Oct 2011 | US | |
| 61543471 | Oct 2011 | US | |
| 61543348 | Oct 2011 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | PCT/US2012/058991 | Oct 2012 | US |
| Child | 14205300 | US |
