Next Generation User Experience
The Future of User Experience of Network Service Deployment, Handling and Configuration
Every IT person knows the drill – Having a new service deployment in the production network infrastructure can be a big hassle. After the easy part of initial provisioning comes the deployment part, configuration and integration, where with some services these actions considered to be real rocket science due to complexity and unfamiliarity with the new solution.
Furthermore, complex challenges may appear with deployments and integrations in case of operating under cyber-attack, network failures, etc. Those require operating the service under time constraints and in complex situations. The good news is that this landscape is rapidly evolving.
Traditionally, the user experience has been defined by dense user guides, intricate menus, and complex graphs. However, as technology advances and user expectations shift towards initiative and fast response actions, the concept of “Next Generation User Experience (UX)” emerges, promising a transformative approach to how we interact with and manage network services. It all eventually brings better and faster resolution times and a more friendly interaction with the services.
Redefining User Experience
We are progressing towards the days where we will not need to navigate through endless menus or go over technical knowledge base articles and user guides. The Next Generation UX reimagines this type of interaction, placing human empowerment at its core. At its essence, it leverages artificial intelligence (AI) to create intuitive, natural language interactions that simplify the user experience while enhancing productivity and efficiency.
Let us extend each approach to see how it changes the user experience as we know it:
1. AI-Powered Human Empowerment
Imagine a scenario where configuring network service becomes as simple as having a conversation. AI-driven systems enable users to interact naturally, using everyday language to initiate and manage configurations. This shift from menu-driven interfaces to conversational AI marks a significant leap forward, reducing the gap and assisting seasoned professionals and newcomers alike.
2. Natural Language Interactions
One of the key advantages of the next generation UX is its ability to understand and respond to natural language commands. Users can simply describe their requirements or issues in plain language, and the AI interprets these inputs to execute commands or provide relevant information.
Open AI also allows to be trained and optimized based on real life data and different inputs, and with that explains how to use the system and maximize its capabilities in a better and more accurate way. In simple words – AI enables us to find the right answer, quickly and efficiently.
For instance, a user could say, “Set up a secure VPN connection between offices”, and the system would intelligently carry out the necessary configurations. This dramatically simplifies processes, reduces complexity, and saves tons of time following different guides and solving problems along the way.
3. Contextual Interactions
Moreover, AI enhances the user experience by initiating contextual interactions. By analyzing past configurations, network conditions, and user preferences, AI can proactively suggest optimizations or alert users to potential issues before they escalate. This proactive approach not only reduces manual intervention but also enhances network reliability and performance. Those who adopt this predictive assistant approach will benefit and feel AI at its best.
A great example would be in the Cyber Security industry, having a “Voice Activate SOC” would effectively ease on SOC analysts and cyber security “war rooms” when handling cyber-attacks and incidents to reduce MTTR.
Additional info could be found in my other blog: Voice Activated SOC – Zero MTTR Is Possible
4. The Shift Away from Graphical Interfaces
In contrast to traditional UX paradigms with graphs and charts, the Next Generation UX prioritizes simplicity and efficiency – More Is Less. Instead of overwhelming users with visual data and complex graphs and statistics, AI presents actionable insights and recommendations in a clear, concise manner. This minimalist approach ensures that users can focus on making informed decisions rather than wasting time analyzing tons of data and complex graphical representations. With that – graphical representation is very useful and required but should be generated with the required context and scope, being cautious not to overwhelm the user with irrelevant data and “noise”.
Conclusion – Embracing the Change
Embracing the Next Generation UX represents a shift in how we perceive and interact with network services within an organization or in personal life. Harnessing the power of AI to empower users through natural language interactions and contextual insights, organizations can pave the way for a more intuitive, productive, and user-friendly approach to managing their networks and day to day actions or configurations.
This evolution not only enhances operational efficiency by removing barriers such as dense user guides and complex navigation menus, but organizations can also streamline operations, reduce training overhead, and foster a more intuitive user experience.
