Methods and systems for node-based website design

Abstract

Aspects of the present invention relate to systems and methods for design and use of web-based applications for account management. Some aspects relate to design tools that enable the use of a virtual agent or avatar as part of an account collection or management web application. Some aspects relate to applications, utilities and tools for node-based web resource design.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method for designing a web-based account management web site, said method comprising:
 a) receiving first node data for a first node, wherein said first node data comprises first node variable values associated with first node variables that define a first account management web page and a corresponding first node icon; and   b) displaying said first node icon in a graphical editor window such that said first node icon represents a first flow chart element in a flow chart that represents said account management web site.   
     
     
         2 . A method as described in  claim 1  wherein said first account management web page comprises a virtual agent, which is at least partially defined by said first node variable values. 
     
     
         3 . A method as described in  claim 2  wherein said virtual agent presents an account-related, multi-media message to a user using animated features that move in coordination with an audible message to emulate speech and human-like gestures. 
     
     
         4 . A method as described in  claim 1  further comprising:
 a) receiving second node data for a second node, wherein said second node data comprises node variable values associated with second node variables that define a second account management web page; a corresponding second node icon and a link; and 
 b) displaying said second node icon and said link in a graphical editor window such that said second node icon represents a flow chart element in a flow chart representing said account management web site and said link represent a relationship between nodes in said flow chart. 
 
     
     
         5 . A method as described in  claim 4  wherein said second account management web page comprises a virtual agent, which is at least partially defined by said second node variable values. 
     
     
         6 . A method as described in  claim 1  wherein said first account management web page is adaptive to a user characteristic. 
     
     
         7 . A method as described in  claim 1  wherein said receiving said first node data is accomplished with a node data window. 
     
     
         8 . A method for designing a web-based account management web site, said method comprising:
 a) displaying a graphical user interface comprising a graphical representation of a web site, said graphical representation comprising node icons representing pre-defined web pages (nodes) and node links representing logical links between said nodes;   b) wherein said graphical representation has a flow-chart-like appearance comprising said node icons connected by visible links representing said logical links;   c) wherein node variables, related to said nodes, define node characteristics comprising input and output mechanisms for said nodes; and   d) wherein said graphical representation further comprises a node data window for at least one of said nodes, wherein said node data window provides for user manipulation of said node variables for said at least one of said nodes.   
     
     
         9 . A method as described in  claim 8  wherein at least one of said nodes comprises a virtual agent, which is at least partially defined by said node variables. 
     
     
         10 . A method as described in  claim 8  wherein said nodes and node links may be graphically manipulated by user input with a pointing device. 
     
     
         11 . A method as described in  claim 9  wherein said virtual agent responds to user input received in response to display of said node. 
     
     
         12 . A method as described in  claim 8  wherein said graphical user interface further comprises a tool box menu with options for adding nodes to said graphical representation. 
     
     
         13 . A method as described in  claim 8  wherein said node variables define facial characteristics of a virtual agent. 
     
     
         14 . A method as described in  claim 8  wherein said node variables define speech characteristics of a virtual agent. 
     
     
         15 . A non-transitory, computer-readable medium comprising computer-executable instructions for implementing a method for designing a web-based account management web site, said computer-readable medium comprising instructions for:
 a) displaying a graphical user interface comprising a graphical representation of a web site, said graphical representation comprising node icons representing pre-defined web pages (nodes) and node links representing logical links between said nodes;   b) wherein said graphical representation has a flow-chart-like appearance comprising said node icons connected by visible links representing said logical links;   c) wherein node variables, related to said nodes, define node characteristics comprising input and output mechanisms for said nodes; and   d) wherein said graphical representation further comprises a node data window for at least one of said nodes, wherein said node data window provides for user manipulation of said node variables for said at least one of said nodes.   
     
     
         16 . A non-transitory, computer-readable medium as described in  claim 15  wherein at least one of said nodes comprises a virtual agent, which is at least partially defined by said node variables. 
     
     
         17 . A non-transitory, computer-readable medium as described in  claim 15  wherein said nodes and node links may be graphically manipulated by user input with a pointing device. 
     
     
         18 . A non-transitory, computer-readable medium as described in  claim 15  wherein said virtual agent responds to user input received in response to display of said node. 
     
     
         19 . A non-transitory, computer-readable medium as described in  claim 15  wherein said graphical user interface further comprises a tool box menu with options for adding nodes to said graphical representation. 
     
     
         20 . A non-transitory, computer-readable medium as described in  claim 15  wherein said node variables define facial characteristics of a virtual agent.