Patent Publication Number: US-2018046704-A1

Title: Systems and Methods for Selection-Based Contextual Help Retrieval

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/126,967, filed Feb. 12, 2014, which is a U.S. national phase of International Application No. PCT/US2012/042979 filed Jun. 18, 2012, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/498,326 filed Jun. 17, 2011, entitled Systems and Methods for Selection-Based, Crowdsourced, Contextual Help Retrieval in Web Applications, and to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/540,403 filed Sep. 28, 2011, entitled Systems and Methods for Selection-Based, Crowdsourced, Contextual Help Retrieval in Web Applications, which are incorporated herein in their entirety. 
    
    
     STATEMENT OF U.S. GOVERNMENT INTEREST 
     This invention was made with government support under CCF-0952733 awarded by the National Science Foundation. The government has certain rights in the invention. 
    
    
     COPYRIGHT NOTICE 
     Contained herein is material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the reproduction of the patent disclosure by any person as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent files or records, but otherwise reserves all rights to the copyright whatsoever. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Unless otherwise indicated herein, the materials described in this section are not prior art to the claims in this application and are not admitted to be prior art by inclusion in this section. 
     With the proliferation of computing technologies, the usability of computing systems, and the usability of computing applications utilized to interact with such computing systems, has improved greatly. Nonetheless, many users encounter difficulties when attempting to learn how to use and configure computing applications to meet their particular needs. Indeed, as computing applications, including web-based applications, become more dynamic, feature-rich, and customizable, users&#39; needs for assistance with the use of such applications increases. 
     While computing-application “help features” have a long history, one of the most powerful help features to have yet emerged is “crowdsourced” help. Crowdsourced forms of help enable users to help each other answer questions in, for example, discussion forums, mailing lists, or within online social networks. It is generally recognized that crowdsourced help is powerful at generating answers to help questions. However, it is generally considered difficult to find answers to such questions. More particularly, it may be difficult for a user to locate the answer to a question that has previously been asked and answered. For example, the onus is on the user to sift through a variety of potential answer resources, evaluate and disregard a large amount of irrelevant material, and/or craft keywords for use in key word searching in an attempt to locate a sought-after answer. 
     An improvement is therefore desired. 
     SUMMARY 
     Described herein are systems and methods for selection-based contextual help retrieval that leverages a user&#39;s interaction with a user-interface of a computing application to enable the user to ask questions, provide solutions, and efficiently search for help within the hierarchy of the user-interface itself. 
     In one aspect, a first computer-implemented method is provided. The method may involve: (a) receiving first-query data including contextual data, the contextual data indicating a user-interface element type, a user-interface element location, and user-interface element text; (b) determining at least one first-query response based on at least the contextual data; and (c) causing an indication of the determined at least one first-query response to be provided via an output device. 
     In a further aspect, a first system is provided. The system may include: (1) a processor; (2) a physical computer readable medium; and (3) program instructions stored on the physical computer readable medium and executable by the processor to: (a) receive first-query data including contextual data, the contextual data indicating a user-interface element type, a user-interface element location, and user-interface element text; (b) determine at least one first-query response based on at least the contextual data; and (c) cause an indication of the determined at least one first-query response to be provided via an output device. 
     In a further aspect, a first physical computer-readable medium is provided. The physical computer-readable medium may include instructions including: (a) instructions for receiving first-query data including contextual data, the contextual data indicating a user-interface element type, a user-interface element location, and user-interface element text; (b) instructions for determining at least one first-query response based on at least the contextual data; and (c) instructions for causing an indication of the determined at least one first-query response to be provided via an output device. 
     In a further aspect, a second computer-implemented method is provided. The method may involve: (a) receiving help-mode data indicating a user-preference to enter a help mode corresponding to a graphical user-interface including at least one graphical-user-interface element; (b) entering the help mode corresponding to the graphical user-interface, the help mode including: (i) providing an information-overlay interface corresponding to the graphical user-interface, where the information-overlay interface includes at least one information-overlay-interface element corresponding to at least one respective graphical-user-interface element; (ii) receiving selection data indicating a selection of the at least one information-overlay-interface element; and (iii) causing a visual indication of the selection of the at least one information-overlay-interface element to be displayed on a graphical display. 
     In a further aspect, a second system is provided. The system may include: (1) a processor; (2) a physical computer readable medium; and (3) program instructions stored on the physical computer readable medium and executable by the processor to: (a) receive help-mode data indicating a user-preference to enter a help mode corresponding to a graphical user-interface including at least one graphical-user-interface element; (b) enter the help mode corresponding to the graphical user-interface, the help mode including: (i) providing an information-overlay interface corresponding to the graphical user-interface, where the information-overlay interface includes at least one information-overlay-interface element corresponding to at least one respective graphical-user-interface element; (ii) receiving selection data indicating a selection of the at least one information-overlay-interface element; and (iii) causing a visual indication of the selection of the at least one information-overlay-interface element to be displayed on a graphical display. 
     In a further aspect, a second physical computer-readable medium is provided. The physical computer-readable medium may include instructions including: (a) instructions for receiving help-mode data indicating a user-preference to enter a help mode corresponding to a graphical user-interface including at least one graphical-user-interface element; (b) instructions for entering the help mode corresponding to the graphical user-interface, the help mode including: (i) providing an information-overlay interface corresponding to the graphical user-interface, where the information-overlay interface includes at least one information-overlay-interface element corresponding to the at least one respective graphical-user-interface element; (ii) receiving selection data indicating a selection of the at least one information-overlay-interface element; and (iii) causing a visual indication of the selection of the at least one information-overlay-interface element to be displayed on a graphical display. 
     In a further aspect, a third method is provided. The method may involve: (a) causing a display of a content window on a graphical display, the content window including a content element and a feedback element; (b) receiving feedback data indicating (i) a selection of the feedback element and (ii) a utility of the content element; and (c) in response to receiving the feedback data, no longer causing the display of the content window on the graphical display, where the content window is displayed at least until the feedback data is received. 
     In a further aspect, a third system is provided. The system may include: (1) a processor; (2) a physical computer readable medium; and (3) program instructions stored on the physical computer readable medium and executable by the processor to: (a) cause a display of a content window on a graphical display, the content window including a content element and a feedback element; (b) receive feedback data indicating (i) a selection of the feedback element and (ii) a utility of the content element; and (c) in response to receiving the feedback data, no longer causing the display of the content window on the graphical display, where the content window is displayed at least until the feedback data is received. 
     In a further aspect, a third physical computer-readable medium is provided. The physical computer-readable medium may include instructions including: (a) instructions for causing a display of a content window on a graphical display, the content window including a content element and a feedback element; (b) instructions for receiving feedback data indicating (i) a selection of the feedback element and (ii) a utility of the content element; and (c) instructions for, in response to receiving the feedback data, no longer causing the display of the content window on the graphical display, where the content window is displayed at least until the feedback data is received. 
     These as well as other aspects, advantages, and alternatives, will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art by reading the following detailed description, with reference where appropriate to the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
         FIG. 1  shows a simplified block diagram of an example communication network in which the present methods can be implemented. 
         FIG. 2  shows a simplified block diagram of a network-access device arranged to implement aspects of at least one embodiment of the methods. 
         FIG. 3  shows a simplified block diagram of a server arranged to implement aspects of at least one embodiment of the methods. 
         FIG. 4  depicts an example computer-readable medium arranged to implement aspects of at least one embodiment of the methods. 
         FIGS. 5A-5B  are simplified flow charts depicting aspects of an example method. 
         FIG. 6  is a simplified flow chart depicting aspects of an example method. 
         FIG. 7  is a simplified flow chart depicting aspects of an example method. 
         FIGS. 8A-8B  depict aspects of an example graphical user-interface including various user-interface elements in accordance with an example method. 
         FIGS. 9A-9B  depict aspects of an example information-overlay interface in accordance with an example method. 
         FIGS. 10A-10B  depict aspects of an information-overlay-interface elements in accordance with an example method. 
         FIGS. 11A-11B  depict example first-query responses in accordance with an example method. 
         FIGS. 12A-12B  depict example second-query responses in accordance with an example method. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying figures, which form a part thereof. In the figures, similar symbols typically identify similar components, unless context dictates otherwise. The illustrative embodiments described in the detailed description, figures, and claims are not meant to be limiting. Other embodiments may be utilized, and other changes may be made, without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matter presented herein. It will be readily understood that aspects of the present disclosure, as generally described herein, and illustrated in the figures, can be arranged, substituted, combined, separated, and/or designed in a wide variety of different configurations, all of which are explicitly contemplated herein. 
     1. Example Architecture 
       FIG. 1  shows a simplified block diagram of an example communication network in which the present method can be implemented. It should be understood that this and other arrangements described herein are set forth only as examples. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that other arrangements and elements (e.g., machines, interfaces, functions, orders, and groupings of functions, etc.) can be used instead and that some elements may be omitted altogether. Further, many of the elements described herein are functional entities that may be implemented as discrete or distributed components or in conjunction with other components, and in any suitable combination and location. Various functions described herein as being performed by one or more entities may be carried out by hardware, firmware, and/or software. And various functions described herein may be carried out by a processor executing instructions stored in memory. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , example network  100  includes various network-access devices  102 A- 102 D, public network  104  such as the Internet, and server  106 . Note that additional entities not depicted in  FIG. 1  could be present as well. As an example, there could be more network-access devices and more servers in communication with public network  104 . Other network elements may be in communication with public network  104  as well. Also, there could be one or more devices and/or networks making up at least part of one or more of the communication links depicted in  FIG. 1 . As an example, there could be one or more routers, switches, or other devices or networks on the communication links between network-access devices  102 A- 102 D, public network  104 , and/or server  106 . 
     Each of network-access devices  102 A- 102 D may be any network-access device arranged to carry out the network-access device functions described herein. As such each of network-access devices  102 A- 102 D, including network-access device  102 A as shown in  FIG. 2A , may include processor  202 , data storage  204 , and communication interface  210 , all linked together via system bus, network, or other connection mechanism  212 . 
     Processor  202  may include one or more general purpose microprocessors and/or one or more dedicated signal processors and may be integrated in whole or in part with communication interface  210 . Data storage  204  may include memory and/or other storage components, such as optical, magnetic, organic or other memory disc storage, which can be volatile and/or non-volatile, internal and/or external, and integrated in whole or in part with processor  202 . Data storage  204  may be arranged to contain (i) program data  206  and (ii) program logic  208 . Although these components are described herein as separate data storage elements, the elements could just as well be physically integrated together or distributed in various other ways. For example, program data  206  may be maintained in data storage  204  separate from program logic  208 , for easy updating and reference by program logic  208 . 
     Communication interface  210  typically functions to communicatively couple network-access device  102 A to networks, such as public network  104 . As such, communication interface  210  may include a wired (e.g., Ethernet) and/or wireless (e.g., Wi-Fi) packet-data interface, for communicating with other devices, entities, and/or networks. Network-access device  102 A may also include multiple interfaces  210 , such as one through which network-access device  102 A sends communication, and one through which network-access device  102 A receives communication. 
     Network-access device  102 A may also include, or may be otherwise communicatively coupled to, user interface  220 . User interface  220  may include input device  222  including, for example, buttons, a touch screen, a microphone, and/or any other elements for receiving inputs. User interface  220  may also include one or more elements for communicating outputs, for example, one or more graphical displays  224  and/or a speaker. In operation, user interface  220  may be configured to display a graphical user interface (GUI) via graphical display  224  and may also be configured to receive inputs, via input device  222 , corresponding to use of such a GUI. In some embodiments, input device  222  may include a visual-capture device such as a camera. The camera may be configured and/or arranged to track eye movements. 
     Server  106  may be any network server or other computing system arranged to carry out the server functions described herein including, but not limited to, those functions described with respect to  FIGS. 5-7 . As such, as shown in  FIG. 3 , server  106  may include processor  302 , data storage  304  including program data  306  and program logic  308 , and communication interface  310 , all linked together via system bus, network, or other connection mechanism  312 . Processor  302 , data storage  304 , program data  306 , program logic  308 , and communication interface  310  may be configured and/or arranged similar to processor  302 , data storage  304 , program data  306 , program logic  308 , and communication interface  310 , respectively, as described above with respect to network-access device  102 A. 
     Data storage  304  may contain information used by server  106  in operation. For example, date storage  304  may include instructions executable by the processor for carrying out the server functions described herein including, but not limited to, those functions described below with respect to  FIGS. 5-7 . As another example, data storage  304  may contain various design logic and/or design data used for determining a test result, such as the logic and data described below with respect to  FIGS. 5-7 . Generally, data storage  304  may contain information used by server  106  to provide an e-commerce storefront that is accessible by various network-access devices, such as network-access device  102 A, over public network  104 . 
     Returning to  FIG. 1 , public network  104  may include one or more wide area networks, one or more local area networks, one or more public networks such as the Internet, one or more private networks, one or more wired networks, one or more wireless networks, and/or one or more networks of any other variety. Devices in communication with public network  104  (including, but not limited to, network-access devices  102 A- 102 D and server  106 ) may exchange data using a packet-switched protocol such as IP, and may be identified by an address such as an IP address. 
     As noted above, in some embodiments, the disclosed methods may be implemented by computer program instructions encoded on a non-transitory computer-readable storage media in a machine-readable format, or on other non-transitory media or articles of manufacture.  FIG. 4  is a schematic illustrating a conceptual partial view of an example computer program product that includes a computer program for executing a computer process on a computing device, arranged according to at least some embodiments presented herein. 
     In one embodiment, the example computer program product  400  is provided using a signal bearing medium  402 . The signal bearing medium  402  may include one or more programming instructions  404  that, when executed by one or more processors may provide functionality or portions of the functionality described herein. In some examples, the signal bearing medium  402  may encompass a computer-readable medium  406 , such as, but not limited to, a hard disk drive, a Compact Disc (CD), a Digital Video Disk (DVD), a digital tape, memory, etc. In some implementations, the signal bearing medium  402  may encompass a computer-recordable medium  408 , such as, but not limited to, memory, read/write (R/W) CDs, R/W DVDs, etc. In some implementations, the signal bearing medium  402  may encompass a communications medium  410 , such as, but not limited to, a digital and/or an analog communication medium (e.g., a fiber optic cable, a waveguide, a wired communications link, a wireless communication link, etc.). Thus, for example, the signal bearing medium  402  may be conveyed by a wireless form of the communications medium  410 . It should be understood, however, that computer-readable medium  406 , computer recordable medium  408 , and communications medium  410  as contemplated herein are distinct mediums and that, in any event, computer-readable medium  408  is a physical, non-transitory, computer-readable medium. 
     The one or more programming instructions  404  may be, for example, computer executable and/or logic implemented instructions. In some examples, a computing device such as the network-access device  102 A of  FIG. 2  may be configured to provide various operations, functions, or actions in response to the programming instructions  404  conveyed to the network-access device  102 A by one or more of the computer readable medium  406 , the computer recordable medium  408 , and/or the communications medium  410 . 
     The non-transitory computer readable medium could also be distributed among multiple data storage elements, which could be remotely located from each other. The computing device that executes some or all of the stored instructions could be a network-access device such as the network-access device  102 A illustrated in  FIG. 2 . Alternatively, the computing device that executes some or all of the stored instructions could be another computing device, such as a server, for instance server  106  illustrated in  FIG. 3 . 
     2. Example Web-Application Interface 
       FIGS. 5A, 5B, 6, and 7  each show simplified flow charts depicting aspects of example methods for selection-based contextual help retrieval as described herein. For purposes of example and explanation, aspects of such example methods are described with reference to an example web-application interface. It should be understood, however, that the example methods described herein may apply just as well to any suitable graphical user-interface including, but not limited to, any graphical user-interface implemented on a computer, mobile computing device, portable media player, gaming device, household appliance, office equipment, and/or other computing system. 
       FIGS. 8A-8B  depict aspects of an example graphical user-interface including various user-interface elements in accordance with an example method. More particularly,  FIGS. 8A-8B  depict aspects of an example web-application interface.  FIG. 8A  depicts a block diagram of interface elements included in the example web-application interface and  FIG. 8B  depicts a corresponding graphical web-application interface. 
     With respect to  FIG. 8A , user-interface  802  includes a variety of user-interface elements. Such user-interface elements include logo element  804 , button elements  806 A- 806 E, search element  808 , content element  810 , and site-help element  812 . Each user-interface element may generally possess various features, characteristics, and/or functionality. Further, while  FIG. 8A  depicts certain example user-interface elements, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that other user-interface elements may exist. The user-interface elements depicted in  FIG. 8A  are for purposes of example and explanation only and should not be taken to be limiting. 
     With respect to  FIG. 8B , user-interface  852  also includes a variety of user-interface elements, certain of which, for purposes of example and explanation, are noted as corresponding to the user-interface elements depicted in  FIG. 8A . More particularly, logo element  854  generally corresponds to logo element  804 . Button elements  856 A- 856 E generally correspond respectively to button elements  806 A- 806 E. Search element  858  generally corresponds to search element  810 . And site-help element  852  generally corresponds to site-help element  812 . 
     Various respective features, characteristics, and/or functionality of the user-interface elements depicted in  FIGS. 8A and 8B  are discussed further below with respect to the example methods described herein. 
     3. First Example Method 
       FIG. 5A  shows a flowchart depicting functions that can be carried out in accordance with at least one embodiment of a first example method. As shown in  FIG. 5A , method  500  begins at block  502  with a computing system receiving first-query data including contextual data, the contextual data indicating a user-interface element type, a user-interface element location, and user-interface element text. At block  504 , the computing system determines at least one first-query response based on at least the contextual data. And at block  506 , the computing system causes an indication of the determined at least one first-query response to be provided via an output device. 
       FIG. 5B  shows a flowchart depicting additional functions that can be carried out in accordance with at least one embodiment of the first example method. In an embodiment, the functions depicted in  FIG. 5B  may be carried out after those functions depicted in  FIG. 5A . As shown in  FIG. 5B , method  510  begins at block  512  with a computing system receiving second-query data indicating a selection of one or more of the at least one first-query responses. At block  514 , the computing system determines at least one second-query response based on the second-query data. And at block  516 , the computing system causes an indication of the determined at least one second-query response to be provided via the output device. 
     The steps of method  500  and  510  are explained in the following subsections. 
     And although methods  500  and  510  may be carried out by server  106 , this is not required. In some embodiments, methods  500  and  510  may be carried out entirely, or in part, by network-access device  102 A or some other computing system that may or may not be communicatively coupled to any network. 
     a. Receive First-Query Data Including Contextual Data 
     At block  502 , a computing system receives first-query data including contextual data, the contextual data indicating a user-interface element type, a user-interface element location, and user-interface element text. 
     As a general matter, the first-query data may be submitted to the computing system by a user of the user-interface as a result of the user interacting with the user-interface and/or, as will be discussed below, as a result of the user interacting with a “help mode” information-overlay interface corresponding to the user-interface. In any event, the user may generally identify a particular user-interface element that the user seeks help in connection with. For instance, with respect to  FIG. 8A , the user may have a question regarding the function that button element  806 A performs, and so the user may indicate button element  806 A. Alternatively, the user may have a question regarding how search element  808  works, and so the user may indicate search element  808 . 
     Further, it should be understood that, more generally, the user-interface element identified by the user may, or may not, be related to functionality the user is seeking help regarding. That is, the user-interface element need not be interactive elements of the user-interface. For instance, in an embodiment, with respect to  FIG. 8A , the user may indicate logo element  804  if the user is seeking general information about the function, purpose, or some other general aspect of user-interface  802 . 
     As noted, the first-query data received by the computing system includes contextual data. Such contextual data may generally be used by the computing system to analyze, identify, or otherwise evaluate the user-interface element indicated by the user and/or identify potential questions the user may have relative to the user-interface element. Accordingly, the contextual data may indicate certain information to facilitate such an analysis and/or identification including, for example, the user-interface element type, the user-interface element location within the user-interface hierarchy, and the user-interface element text. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that additional contextual data, examples of some of which are discussed below, may be analyzed by the computing system as well. 
     The user-interface element type may generally identify a type of the respective user-interface element. The type may indicate a categorization of the user-interface element, a file type of the user-interface element, or a purpose of the user-interface element, among other examples. In an embodiment, the type may correspond to a tag of the user-interface element. For instance, including but not limited to, a web-application embodiment, the type may correspond to a Document Object Model (DOM) object tag associated with the user-interface element. Examples of such DOM object tags include DIV, TABLE, and BUTTON, among other examples. Thus, the type of logo element  804  may be, for example, “graphic,” “.jpg,” or “logo.” The type of any of button elements  806 A may be, for example, “button,” “.jpg,” or “navigation.” The type of search element  808  may be, for example, “input field” or “search.” And the type of content element  810  may be, for example, “content,” “text,” or “information.” Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that additional user-interface element types may exist as well and that the examples provided herein should not be taken to be limiting. In particular, additional user-interface element types may exist in a web-application embodiment, and additional user-interface elements may exist in other user-interface embodiments as well. 
     The user-interface element location may generally identify a location of the user-interface element within the user interface. That is, the location may indicate a position, whether relative, absolute, or structural, of the user-interface element within the user interface. In an embodiment, including but not limited to, a web-application embodiment, the location may be the standard XPath string representation of the user-interface element. For instance, the location may include a sequence of tag names and child indices that indicate the path from the DOM tree to the selected user-interface element. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that additional approaches to indicating a user-interface element location may exist as well and that the examples provided herein should not be taken to be limiting. 
     The user-interface element text may generally indicate any text associated with the user-interface element in the underlying code of the user-interface. In an embodiment, including but not limited to, a web-application embodiment, the text may be visible text on the DOM node associated with the user-interface element. For instance, the text may include all of the text-node descendants of the selected node, concatenated into one string. Additionally, or alternatively, to the extent the user-interface element includes an ALT attribute (as is typically the case for image user-interface elements), the text of the ALT attribute may also be concatenated onto the user-interface element text. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that additional user-interface element text may exist as well and that the examples provided herein should not be taken to be limiting. 
     Those of ordinary skill in the art will also appreciate that other contextual data may be utilized by the computing system as well. As one example of such additional contextual data, the computing system may evaluate a user-interface element style associated with the user-interface element. The style may include, for example, an identification of a color, size, and/or shape, among other style properties, of the user-interface element. 
     For purposes of example and explanation, the user-interface may be configured or otherwise arranged to be capable of entering a “help mode” where normal operation of the user-interface may be suspended and the user is able to submit the first-query data to the computing system. In an embodiment, such a help mode may be entered in response to selection of site-help element  812 , which may take the form of a button. 
     Thus, before receiving the first-query data, the computing system may receive help-mode data indicating a user-preference to enter a help mode. In an embodiment, the help-mode data may correspond to the selection of a help-mode element on the user-interface such as site-help element  812  in  FIG. 8A . Note that site-help element  862  in  FIG. 8B  generally corresponds to site-help element  812 . 
     However, additionally or alternatively, the help-mode data may correspond to a key event, such as the selection of a particular key on a keyboard associated with the help mode. And, additionally or alternatively still, the help mode data may correspond to an input gesture, such as a particular movement of a mouse cursor associated with the help mode. The key event and/or input gesture may provide a more efficient, convenient, and/or intuitive technique for entering the help mode than does selection of site-help element  812 . 
     As will be discussed further below, entering the help mode may involve providing an information-overlay interface that corresponds to the graphical-user interface. Accordingly,  FIGS. 9A-9B  depict aspects of an example information-overlay interface in accordance with the example methods described herein.  FIG. 9A  depicts a block diagram of an example information-overlay interface and  FIG. 9B  depicts a corresponding graphical web-application information-overlay interface. 
     With respect to  FIG. 9A , user-interface  902  is shown. User-interface  902  includes an information-overlay layer that has caused user-interface  802  to “dim.” Such a dimming effect may generally indicate that the help mode has been entered, and that normal operation of the user-interface has been suspended. Further, user-interface  902  may include various information-overlay-interface elements (not shown), each corresponding to a respective user-interface element of user interface  802 . Such information-overlay-interface elements may not be initially apparent (and may become apparent upon a user moving a mouse cursor over the information-overlay-interface element, as discussed further below). But, nonetheless, user-interface  902  may indicate the presence of such information-overlay-interface elements by way of various visual indications  904 A- 9041  of an identification of respective information-overlay elements. 
     With respect to  FIG. 9B , user-interface  952  also includes an information-overlay layer that has caused user-interface  852  to “dim” (as also discussed above with respect to  FIG. 8B ). For purposes of example and explanation, visual indications  954 A and  954 B generally correspond to visual indications  904 A- 9041 . Other such visual indications are shown in user-interface  952 . And although the visual indications are generally shown as taking the form of question marks, those of skill in the art will appreciate that such visual indications may take any other suitable form as well. 
     The information-overlay layer, such as that depicted in  FIGS. 9A and 9B , is discussed in greater detail below. 
     As noted above, the computing system may receive the first-query data including the contextual data as the result of the user identifying a particular user-interface element that the user seeks help in connection with. Accordingly,  FIGS. 10A-10B  depict aspects of information-overlay-interface elements in accordance with the example methods described herein. More particularly,  FIGS. 10A-10B  depict the indication of an information-overlay-interface element that corresponds to a respective graphical user-interface element.  FIG. 10A  depicts a block diagram of the information-overlay-interface elements and  FIG. 10B  depicts corresponding graphical web-application information-overlay-interface elements. 
     With respect to  FIG. 10A , user-interface  1002  is shown. User-interface  1002  includes information-overlay-interface element  1006  that has been made visible as a result of the user moving mouse cursor  1004  over information-overlay-interface element  1006  (and corresponding button element  806 C). In the example depicted in  FIG. 10A , overlay element  1006  appears to highlight button element  806 C. 
     With respect to  FIG. 10B , user interface  1052  is shown. User-interface  1052  includes information-overlay-interface element  1054 , corresponding, for purposes of example and explanation, to information-overlay-interface element  1006 , which has been made visible as a result of a user moving a mouse cursor (not shown) over information-overlay-interface element  1054 . In the example depicted in  FIG. 10B , the button element corresponding to information-overlay-interface element  1054  appears to be highlighted. Those of skill in the art will appreciate that, while the information-overlay-interface elements depicted in  FIGS. 10A-10B  cause their respective corresponding graphical-user-interface elements to appear highlighted, the existence of such information-overlay-interface elements may be indicated in a number of alternative suitable manners. In one alternative embodiment, for example, the corresponding graphical-user-interface element may appear to be underlined in addition to, or instead of, highlighted. 
     In any event, the user may indicate a particular user-interface element that the user seeks help in connection with by selecting the corresponding information-overlay-interface element, and thereby cause the computing system to receive first-query data including contextual data, the contextual data indicating the user-interface element type, the user-interface element location, and user-interface element text. Such a selection may be executed by, for example, clicking on the information-overlay-interface element, placing the mouse cursor on the information-overlay-interface element for a predetermined amount of time, and/or any other suitable selection technique as will be appreciated by those with ordinary skill in the art. 
     b. Determine at Least One First-Query Response 
     At block  504 , the computing system determines at least one first-query response based on at least the contextual data. That is, the computing system determines at least one first-query response based on at least the user-interface element type, a user-interface element location, and user-interface element text of the user-interface element indicated by the user. 
     The first-query responses may generally correspond to questions associated with parts, aspects, and/or features of the user-interface element. Such first-query responses, or questions, may be stored by the computing system, either locally or remotely, in a database or other suitable storage arrangement. As a general matter, the contextual data may be used to identify first-query responses that are associated with the user-interface element. 
     The first-query responses may be ordered based on a predicted relevance to the help the user is seeking. Thus, the computing system may determine an order of the determined at least one first-query response based on a respective relevance of each determined at least one first-query response. The computing system may leverage the contextual data, i.e., the user-interface element type, the user-interface element location, and the user-interface element text to help determine the respective relevance of each first-query response. More particularly, the computing system may determine a context score for each first-query response that corresponds to the predicted relevance of the first-query response to the help the user is seeking. 
     Determining a respective context score for each determined at least one first-query response may involve determining the respective context score based on at least one of an element-type metric, an element-location metric, and an element-text metric. The computing system may then determine the respective relevance of each determined at least one first-query response based on at least the respective context score. As a general matter, the relevances and/or context scores may be determined based on any suitable contextual data described above. 
     The element-type metric may be determined or calculated based on a relevance of the user-interface element type to the first-query response. In an embodiment, the computing system may store, for each first-query response, the user-interface element types that are associated with the first-query response. Accordingly, if the user-interface element type indicated in the contextual data is present in the user-interface element types associated with the first query response, the element-type metric may be set to 1. On the other hand, if the user-interface element type indicated in the contextual data is not present in the user-interface element types associated with the first query response, the element-type metric may be set to 0. 
     The element-location metric may be determined or calculated based on a relevance of the user-interface element location to the first-query response. In an embodiment, the computing system may store, for each first-query response, the user-interface element locations that are associated with the first-query response. Accordingly, the element-location metric may represent the similarity of the location of the user-interface element location indicated in the contextual data and the location(s) associated with the first-query response. In an example, the computing system may calculate a percent similarity between the two locations. For instance, in an embodiment where the locations are indicated using XPaths, the computing system may start from the root of the XPath and do a node-by-node string equality comparison to determine how much overlap there is between the two XPaths. Thus, the element-location metric may be set to a value between 0 and 1, the value corresponding to the calculated percent similarity between the two locations. 
     The element-text metric may be determined or calculated based on a relevance of the user-interface element text to the first-query response. In an embodiment, the computing system may store, for each first-query response, the text of the first-query response. Accordingly, the element-text metric may represent the similarity of the text of the user-interface element text indicated in the contextual data and the text of the first-query response. In an example, the computing system may perform a string contains operation to determine whether the user-interface element text is present in the text of the first-query response. If the user-interface element text is present in the text of the first-query response, the element-text metric may be set to 1. On the other hand, if the user-interface element text is not present in the text of the first-query response, the element-text metric may be set to 0. 
     As noted, the respective context score may be determined based on some combination of the element-type metric, the element-location metric, and the element-text metric. For instance, the context score may be the addition, product, or some other combination of each metric. 
     In an embodiment, determining the respective context score may involve determining the respective context score based on at least a weighted average of the element-text metric, the element-location metric, and the element-type metric. In a particular example, each metric may be weighted by a value between 0 and 1, and the weighted metrics may then be added. For instance, the element-type metric may be weighted by 0.1, the element-location metric may be weighted by 0.2, and the element-text metric may be weighted by 0.7. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciated that other suitable weight combinations may be used as well. 
     In addition to the contextual data, the first-query data may also include search-term data that indicates at least one search term. The search-term data may be provided by the user by inputting the at least one search term into a text-input box and submitting the at least one search term to the computing system. As a general matter, the search terms may reflect a key phrase, or search phrase, corresponding to the help that the user is seeking. 
     Accordingly, determining the at least one first-query response may involve determining the at least one first-query response based on at least the contextual data and the search-term data. Additionally, determining the respective relevance of each determined at least one first-query response may involve determining the respective relevance of each determined at least one first-query response based on at least the context score and a text-similarity score. The text similarity score may be determined or calculated based on a relevance of the at least one search term to the first-query response. As noted, in an embodiment, the computing system may store, for each first-query response, the text of the first-query response. Accordingly, the text-similarity score may represent the similarity of the at least one search term and the text of the first-query response. In an example, the computing system may compare the at least one search term with the text of the first-query response using a search index of the text of the first-query response. The text-similarity score may then reflect the frequency with which the at least one search term appears in the text of a given first-query response compared to the text of all other first-query responses. Those of skill in the art will appreciate that other text search techniques may be used to determine or calculate the text-similarity score. 
     Further, in an embodiment, the first-query responses may be ordered based on additional information as well. Such additional information may include the web-browser in which the user-interface is accessed and/or a uniform resource locator (URL) associated with the user-interface. 
     c. Cause an Indication of the Determined at Least One First-Query Response to be Provided 
     At block  506 , the computing system causes an indication of the determined at least one first-query response to be provided via an output device. In one embodiment, the indication may be a visual indication and the output device may be a graphical display. However, this is not necessary. In an alternative embodiment the indication may be an audible indication and the output device may be a speaker (e.g., in the form of a free standing speaker, headphones, etc.). Note that the output device may be located locally (i.e., attached) or remote (i.e., networked) to the computing system carrying out method  500 . 
     With respect to a visual indication of the at least one first-query response,  FIGS. 11A-11B  depict example first-query responses in accordance with the example methods described herein.  FIG. 11A  depicts a block diagram of example first-query responses and  FIG. 11B  depicts corresponding example first-query responses within a graphical web-application interface. 
     With respect to  FIG. 11A , user-interface  1102  includes content box  1104  including search input field  1106  and example first-query responses  1108 A- 1008 C. Example first-query responses  1108 A- 1008 C may be first-query responses determined in accordance with block  504  as described above. Further, first-query responses  1108 A- 1108 C may be ordered based on relevance in accordance with block  504  as described above. And while three first-query responses are depicted in the example shown in  FIG. 11A , this is not necessary. Any suitable number of first-query responses may be displayed. Further, while, as described above, each first-query response may generally correspond to a question predicted to be relevant to the help sought by the user, it is possible that the computing system may not possess, or may not have stored, any such first-query responses or questions. In such a case, the first-query response may indicate that no relevant questions exist in the system. 
     Search input  1106  may be a text-input box that the user may use to submit at least one search term to the computing system as described above with respect to block  504 . In the event that first-query responses  1108 A- 1108 C are displayed prior to the user inputting a search term into search input  1106 , the first-query responses  1108 A- 1008 C may be updated based on the search term input into search input  1106 . 
     With respect to  FIG. 11B , user-interface  1152  includes, for purposes of example and explanation, content box  1154  generally corresponding to content box  1104 , search input field  1156  generally corresponding to search input field  1106 , and example first-query response  1158  which generally corresponds to any one of example first-query responses  1108 A- 1108 C. 
     Content box  1154  also includes “ask your own question” button  1160 , whereby a user may select button  1160  and input a new question, or first-query response, into the computing system. Accordingly, the computing system may receive question data indicating a question associated with a given user-interface element. The computing system may also cause the question data to be stored as a first-query response. 
     Content box  1154  also includes various answer indicators  1162 , each associated with a respective first-query response, that indicate whether the computing system has available, for the respective first-query response (or question) an associated answer (or second-query response). Second-query responses, or answers, are discussed further below. 
     Content box  1154  also includes various “me too” buttons  1164 , whereby a user may indicate that the user has the same, or similar question. In this way, the computing system may track which questions are most common to users, and potentially use such information as an additional basis for determining the respective relevance of each question (or first-query response). 
     Context box  1154  may include additional features as well. For instance, context box  1154  may include various subscription buttons, each associated with a particular question. A user may then “subscribe” to a question and be alerted, perhaps by email or instant message, once a new answer to the question becomes available. Further, context box  1154  may include various spam buttons, each associated with a particular question. A user may then “flag” a particular question as spam, and an administrator of the user-interface may evaluate the flagged question for potential removal. 
     d. Receive Second-Query Data 
     At block  512 , the computing system receives second-query data indicating a selection of one or more of the at least one first-query responses. For example, the user may select one of first-query responses  1108 A- 1108 C. The selected first-query response may reflect a question that is relevant to the help sought by the user. As a result of selecting the first-query response the user may submit to the computing system the second-query data indicating the selection of the first-query response. 
     e. Determine at Least One Second-Query Response 
     At block  514 , the computing system determines at least one second-query response based on the second-query data. That is, the computing system determines at least one second-query response based on at least the first-query response, or question, indicated by the second-query data. 
     The second-query responses may generally correspond to answers associated with the selected first-query response, or question. Such second-query responses, or answers, may be stored by the computing system, either locally or remotely, in a database or other suitable storage arrangement. As a general matter, the selected first-query response may be used to identify the appropriate second query response. In an embodiment, for example, the computing system will store in an association database the second-query responses (or answers) that are associated with each first-query response (or question) for efficient reference and retrieval. 
     Like the first-query responses, the second-query responses may be ordered based on a predicted relevance to the help the user is seeking. Thus, the computing system may determine an order of the determined at least one second-query response based on a respective relevance of each determined at least one second-query response. 
     Determining an order of the determined at least one second-query response based on a respective relevance of each determined at least one second-query response, may involve determining the respective relevance of each determined at least one second-query response based on at least an identity of an author of each determined at least one second-query response. For instance, the computing system may store the identity of the author of each second-query response, or answer. The computing system may also store an indication of the experience, status, and/or other such indication of the prestige of the author of the second-query response. Those second-query responses authored by authors deemed to have a relatively higher prestige may be determined to have a relatively higher relevance. 
     f. Cause an Indication of the Determined at Least One Second-Query Response to be Provided 
     At block  516 , the computing system causes an indication of the determined at least one second-query response to be provided via the output device. In one embodiment, the indication may be a visual indication and the output device may be a graphical display. However, this is not necessary. In an alternative embodiment the indication may be an audible indication and the output device may be a speaker (e.g., in the form of a free standing speaker, headphones, etc.) Note that the output device may be located locally (i.e., attached) or remote (i.e., networked) to the computing system carrying out method  510 . 
     With respect to a visual indication of the at least one second-query response  FIGS. 12A-12B  depict example second-query responses in accordance with the example methods described herein.  FIG. 12A  depicts a block diagram of example second-query responses and  FIG. 12B  depicts corresponding example second-query responses within a graphical web-application interface. 
     With respect to  FIG. 12A , user-interface  1202  includes content box  1204  including example second-query responses  1206 A- 1206 B and helpfulness buttons  1208 A- 1208 D. Example second-query responses  1206 A- 1206 B may be second-query responses determined in accordance with block  514  as described above. Further, second-query responses  1206 A- 1206 B may be ordered based on relevance in accordance with block  514  as described above. And while two second-query responses are depicted in the example shown in  FIG. 12A , this is not necessary. Any suitable number of second-query responses may be displayed. Further, while, as described above, each second-query response may generally be an answer to the first-query response, or question, selected by the user, it is possible that the computing system may not possess, or may not have stored, any such second-query responses or answers. In such a case, the second-query response may indicate that no relevant answers exist in the system. In the event that the second-query response is an indication that no relevant answers exist in the system, the user may submit to the computing system answer-needed data, perhaps by way of a button or other input element, indicating that an answer corresponding to the first-query response is needed. 
     Helpfulness buttons  1208 A- 1208 D may be selectable by the user and may function to provide an indication of the helpfulness (or lack thereof) of a particular second-query response, or answer. Accordingly in an embodiment, a particular helpfulness button, such as any of helpfulness buttons  1208 A- 1208 D may be associated with a particular second-query response, or may be associated with a group of second-query responses. For instance, “nothing helpful” button  1208 A may indicate that second-query responses  1206 A- 1206 B contain nothing helpful. “Something helpful” button  1208 B may indicate that, among the information provided by second-query responses  1206 A- 1206 B, there was some helpful information. “Helpful” button  1208 C may indicate that second-query response  1206 A, in particular, was helpful. And “Helpful” button  1208 D may indicate that second-query response  1206 B, in particular, was helpful. Thus, after causing the indication of the determined at least one second-query response to be provided, the computing system may receive helpfulness data indicating an extent to which the at least one second-query response was helpful. 
     With respect to  FIG. 12B , user-interface  1252  includes, for purposes of example and explanation, content box  1254  generally corresponding to content box  1204 , example second-query responses  1258 A- 1258 B which generally correspond to example second-query responses  1206 A- 1206 B, and helpfulness buttons  1260 A- 1260 D generally corresponding to helpfulness buttons  1208 A- 1208 D. Content box  1254  also includes an indication of the selected first-query response  1256 , for the user&#39;s reference. 
     Context box  1262  also includes “add an answer” button  1262 , whereby a user may select button  1262  and input a new answer, or second-query response, into the computing system. Accordingly, the computing system may receive answer data indicating an answer associated with a given first-query response, or question. The computing system may also cause the answer data to be stored as a second-query response. 
     Further, as noted above, the answer data may further indicate an author of the answer. Correspondingly, an indication of the experience, status, and/or other such indication of the prestige of the author the second-query response may be modified based on the helpfulness rating of the provided answer. The helpfulness rating may change based on helpfulness data received as a result of use of helpfulness buttons  1260 A- 1260 D as described above. 
     4. Second Example Method 
       FIG. 6  shows a flowchart depicting functions that can be carried out in accordance with at least one embodiment of a second example method. As shown in  FIG. 6 , method  600  begins at block  602  with a computing system receiving help-mode data indicating a user-preference to enter a help mode corresponding to a graphical user-interface including at least one graphical-user-interface element. At block  604 , the computing system enters the help mode corresponding to the graphical user-interface. The help mode includes, at block  604 A, providing an information-overlay interface corresponding to the graphical user-interface, where the information-overlay interface includes at least one information-overlay-interface element corresponding to at least one respective graphical-user-interface element. The help mode also includes, at block  604 B, receiving selection data indicating a selection of the at least one information-overlay-interface element. And the help mode also includes, at block  604 C, causing a visual indication of the selection of the at least one information-overlay-interface element to be displayed on a graphical display. The steps of method  600  are explained in the following subsections. 
     And although method  600  may be carried out by server  106 , this is not required. In some embodiments, method  600  may be carried out entirely, or in part, by network-access device  102 A or some other computing system that may or may not be communicatively coupled to any network. 
     a. Receive Help-Mode Data 
     At block  602 , a computing system receives help-mode data indicating a user-preference to enter a help mode corresponding to a graphical user-interface including at least one graphical-user-interface element. In an embodiment, the help-mode data may correspond to the selection of a help-mode element on the user-interface such as site-help element  812  in  FIG. 8A . Note that site-help element  862  in  FIG. 8B  generally corresponds to site-help element  812 . 
     However, additionally or alternatively, the help-mode data may correspond to a key event, such as the selection of a particular key on a keyboard associated with the help mode. And, additionally or alternatively still, the help mode data may correspond to an input gesture, such as a particular movement of a mouse cursor associated with the help mode. The key event and/or input gesture may provide a more efficient, convenient, and/or intuitive technique for entering the help mode than does selection of site-help element  812 . 
     b. Enter Help Mode 
     At block  604 , the computing system enters the help mode corresponding to the graphical user-interface. 
     i. Provide Information-Overlay Interface 
     The help mode includes, at block  604 A, providing an information-overlay interface corresponding to the graphical user-interface, where the information-overlay interface includes at least one information-overlay-interface element corresponding to at least one respective graphical-user-interface element. As noted above,  FIGS. 10A-10B  depict the indication of an information-overlay-interface element that corresponds to a respective user-interface element.  FIG. 10A  depicts a block diagram of the information-overlay-interface elements and  FIG. 10B  depicts corresponding graphical web-application information-overlay-interface elements. 
     With respect to  FIG. 10A , user-interface  1002  is shown. User-interface  1002  includes information-overlay-interface element  1006  that has been made visible as a result of the user moving mouse cursor  1004  over information-overlay-interface element  1006  (and corresponding button element  806 C). Similar such information-overlay-interface elements may exist that correspond to the other graphical-user-interface elements in user-interface  1002  including, for example, any of logo element  804 , button elements  806 A- 806 E, search element  808 , content element  810 , and/or site-help element  812 . 
     ii. Receive Selection Data 
     The help mode also includes, at block  604 B, receiving selection data indicating a selection of the at least one information-overlay-interface element. However, as noted above, before receiving the selection data, the computing system may cause a visual indication of an identification of the at least one information-overlay-interface element to be displayed on the graphical display. Such a visual indication may take any suitable form including a highlighting and/or underlining of the graphical-user-interface element that corresponds to the information-overlay element. 
     In connection with the correspondence between various information-overlay-interface elements and various respective graphical-user-interface elements, the selection of the at least one information-overlay-interface element may be associated with a selection of the corresponding at least one respective graphical-user-interface element. In other words, the selection of the information-overlay-interface element may serve as a proxy for the user&#39;s desire to indicate that the user seeks help regarding the corresponding graphical-user-interface element. 
     Further, the computing system may, before receiving the selection data, modify at least one graphical property of the graphical user-interface. For instance, as discussed above, and as depicted in  FIGS. 9A and 9B , the graphical user-interface may be “dimmed.” However, this is not necessary. In an alternative embodiment, the graphical user-interface may not be dimmed at all. 
     iii. Cause Visual Indication of Selection 
     The help mode also includes, at block  604 C, causing a visual indication of the selection of the at least one information-overlay-interface element to be displayed on a graphical display. For instance, as a result of the selection, the computing system may cause an additional new content window to be displayed. In an embodiment, such a content window may take the form of content window  1104  or content window  1154  as discussed above. 
     Further, as discussed above, the selection data may further indicate a user-interface element type, a user-interface element location, and user-interface element text. Accordingly, the help mode may further involve determining at least one first-query response based on at least the selection data, or the user-interface element type, user-interface element location, and user-interface element text, as described above. The help mode may also involve causing a visual indication of the determined at least one first-query response to be displayed on the graphical display, as depicted in  FIGS. 11A and 11B . Further, the help mode may involve any additional suitable features described above with respect to the first example method. 
     5. Third Example Method 
       FIG. 7  shows a flowchart depicting functions that can be carried out in accordance with at least one embodiment of a third example method. As shown in  FIG. 7 , method  700  begins at block  702  with a computing system causing a display of a content window on a graphical display, the content window including a content element and a feedback element. At block  704 , the computing system receives feedback data indicating a selection of the feedback element and a utility of the content element. And at block  706 , the computing system, in response to receiving the feedback data, no longer causes the display of the content window on the graphical display, where the content window is displayed at least until the feedback data is received. The steps of method  700  are explained in the following subsections. 
     And although method  700  may be carried out by server  106 , this is not required. In some embodiments, method  700  may be carried out entirely, or in part, by network-access device  102 A or some other computing system that may or may not be communicatively coupled to any network. 
     a. Cause Display of Content Window Including Content Element and Feedback Element 
     At block  702 , causing a display of a content window on a graphical display, the content window including a content element and a feedback element. As one example the computing system may display content window  1204  as depicted in  FIG. 12A . As shown, content window  1204  includes a content element in the form of second-query responses  1206 A- 1206 B and includes a feedback element in the form of helpfulness buttons  1208 A- 1208 D. 
     In an embodiment, the content element may include information corresponding to a graphical-user-interface element. For example, in the example shown in  FIG. 12A , the content element in the form of second-query responses  1206 A- 1206 B includes information (i.e., answers to questions relevant to help sought by the user) corresponding to the graphical-user-interface element button element  806 C. 
     Further, in an embodiment, the feedback element may be the only element within the content window that allows the user to close, exit, or otherwise dismiss the content window. Thus, in the example shown in  FIG. 12A  helpfulness buttons  1208 A- 1208 D may be the only elements within content window  1204  that allows the user to close, exit, or otherwise dismiss content window  1204 . That is, second-query responses  1206 A- 1206 B may not be selectable. And further, note that content window  1204  does not include any other elements, selectable or otherwise, including an “exit” and/or “close” button. 
     b. Receive Feedback Data Indicating Selection of Feedback Element and Utility of Content Element 
     At block  704 , the computing system receives feedback data indicating a selection of the feedback element and a utility of the content element. For example a user may select one of helpfulness buttons  1208 A- 1208 D and, as a result, submit to the computing system feedback data indicating whether the content element, or second-query responses  1206 A- 1206 B, was helpful. 
     In an embodiment, before receiving the feedback data, the computing system may cause the display of a feedback prompt indicating that the feedback element should be selected. For instance, content window  1204  may additionally include a prompt indicating that the user must select one of helpfulness buttons  1208 A- 1208 D. Alternatively, the computing system may, in response to the user attempting to interact with the user-interface in any manner other than selecting one of helpfulness buttons  1208 A- 1208 D, provide a prompt indicating that the user must select one of helpfulness buttons  1208 A- 1208 D. 
     Further, in an embodiment, the computing system may determine a relevance of the content element based on at least the indication of the utility of the content element. Such a relevance may be determined in accordance with any of the relevance-determination techniques described above. 
     And further still, the feedback data may further indicate an author of the content element. Accordingly, the computing system may be arranged to recognize, and perhaps store, whether the content provided by a given author was identified as helpful or, alternatively, identified as not helpful. 
     c. No Longer Display Content Window 
     At block  706 , the computing system, in response to receiving the feedback data, no longer causes the display of the content window on the graphical display, where the content window is displayed at least until the feedback data is received. That is, the content window is closed when, and only when, the user provides feedback regarding the utility of the content element. According to such a feature, feedback information regarding the content displayed in the content window is conveniently, yet mandatorily, provided within the normal course of the user&#39;s interaction with the user-interface. 
     6. Administration of User-Interface 
     As described above, the computing system may store various first-query responses (questions) and second-query responses (answers) for presentation to users that seek help regarding particular user-interface elements. As also described above, users of the user-interface may submit such first-query responses and second-query responses to the computing system in the normal course of the users&#39; interaction with the user-interface. 
     It is of note that the user-interface may also include various administration features that, among other features, may include the ability for an administrator of the user-interface to populate various first-query responses and second-query responses for the user-interface. In this way, an administrator may submit anticipated questions and associated answers corresponding to the user-interface prior to any actual use of the user-interface by a user. In this way the administrator may “seed” initial content of the help mode described above, and thereby encourage use of the help mode. And note that an “administrator” may be any user of the user-interface. That is, any user may be given privileges, explicitly or implicitly, to carry out the administrative functions described herein. 
     Further, as noted above, in the normal course of a user&#39;s interaction with the user-interface, the user may submit various first-query responses, or questions, that may not have previously existed. Such submitted questions may be drawn to the attention of the administrator, and the administrator may responsively submit an answer associated with the user-submitted question. 
     Further, as noted above, in the normal course of a user&#39;s interaction with the user-interface, the user may submit answer-needed data indicating that an answer corresponding to a first-query response is needed. Such a submission may similarly be drawn to the attention of the administrator, and the administrator may responsively submit an answer corresponding to the first-query response. 
     Those of skill in the art will appreciate that the user-interface may include additional suitable administrative features so as to assist and/or improve the function of the user-interface including a help mode associated with the user-interface. 
     7. Conclusion 
     While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. For example, with respect to the flow charts depicted in the figures and discussed herein, functions described as blocks may be executed out of order from that shown or discussed, including substantially concurrent or in reverse order, depending on the functionality involved. Further, more or fewer blocks and/or functions may be used and/or flow charts may be combined with one another, in part or in whole. 
     A block that represents a processing of information may correspond to circuitry that can be configured to perform the specific logical functions of a herein-described method or technique. Alternatively or additionally, a block that represents a processing of information may correspond to a module, a segment, or a portion of program code (including related data). The program code may include one or more instructions executable by a processor for implementing specific logical functions or actions in the method or technique. 
     The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims. Other embodiments can be utilized, and other changes can be made, without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matter presented herein.