Skip to main content

Using the Interface

This guide provides an overview of the ept AI user interface, including navigation patterns, common interface elements, and tips for efficient system use.

Overall Layout​

ept AI uses a consistent two-column layout throughout the application to provide an intuitive and familiar user experience:

  • Left Sidebar: Primary navigation and module access
  • Main Content Area: Page-specific content and functionality
  • Top Navigation: Global controls and user account access

Primary Navigation Structure​

The collapsible sidebar organizes functionality into logical groups based on user workflows:

App Channels​

Direct interfaces for AI interaction:

  • AI Chat: Direct conversational interface with the AI
  • Community Forum: Monitor and respond to external forum threads
  • Deal Rooms: Sales-focused collaborative workspaces

AI Performance Management​

Tools for monitoring and improving AI performance:

  • Responses: Review individual AI responses and contribute knowledge
  • Conversations: View complete conversation transcripts and analysis
  • Reporting: Analytics and performance metrics dashboards
  • Question Type: Categorize questions for analysis (Coming Soon)
  • AI Voice: Configure response tone per channel (Coming Soon)

Configuration​

Administrative settings and system management:

  • Channels: Configure AI integration endpoints and connections
  • Knowledge Sources: Manage information repositories and content
  • Knowledge Source Configurations: Group and organize knowledge sources
  • Users: Manage team members, roles, and permissions
  • Collapsible: Click the hamburger menu to collapse/expand the sidebar
  • Responsive: Automatically adjusts for different screen sizes
  • Persistent State: Sidebar preference is remembered across sessions
  • Active Indicators: Current page is highlighted for easy orientation

Role-Based Navigation​

Navigation items are filtered based on user roles:

  • Viewers: Limited to read-only access areas
  • Collaborators: Access to content editing and basic features
  • AI Sales Pro: Full access to Deal Rooms and sales features
  • AI Performance Manager: Access to performance tools and knowledge management
  • Admin: Access to all features and configuration options

Global Interface Elements​

Top Navigation Bar​

Located at the top of every page:

Help Menu​

Access to support and documentation:

  • Knowledge Base Link: Direct link to this documentation
  • Chat Support: Real-time support chat (when available)
  • Contact Support: Submit support tickets and contact information
  • System Status: Check current system health and known issues

Profile Menu​

User account management:

  • User Profile: View and edit account information
  • Account Settings: Manage preferences and notification settings
  • Logout Option: Securely sign out of the system
  • Role Information: Display current user role and permissions

Progress Indicators​

Throughout the application, progress indicators provide feedback on system operations:

Response Generation​

When AI is generating responses:

  • Processing Spinner: Visual indication that AI is working
  • Progress Bar: Shows completion percentage for longer operations
  • Cancel Option: Ability to cancel long-running operations
  • Status Messages: Text descriptions of current processing step

Data Loading​

When loading page content:

  • Loading States: Skeleton screens or spinners while content loads
  • Progressive Loading: Critical content loads first, details follow
  • Error States: Clear messaging when loading fails
  • Retry Options: Easy ways to retry failed operations

Common Interface Patterns​

Search and Filtering​

Consistent search patterns across all data tables:

Search Bars​

  • Global Search: Find content across the entire system
  • Page-Specific Search: Filter current page content
  • Real-Time Results: Search results update as you type
  • Search History: Recent searches for quick re-access

Filter Controls​

  • Multi-Select Filters: Choose multiple filter criteria simultaneously
  • Date Range Filters: Select specific time periods for data
  • Status Filters: Filter by item status (active, pending, completed, etc.)
  • Reset Options: Clear all filters to return to default view

Data Tables​

Standardized table interfaces for displaying information:

Table Features​

  • Sortable Columns: Click column headers to sort data
  • Pagination: Navigate through large datasets efficiently
  • Row Selection: Select individual or multiple rows for actions
  • Column Customization: Show/hide columns based on preferences

Row Actions​

  • Click to Open: Click rows to view detailed information
  • Hover Actions: Additional actions appear on row hover
  • Bulk Operations: Perform actions on multiple selected items
  • Context Menus: Right-click for additional options

Forms and Input​

Consistent form design across the application:

Input Fields​

  • Required Field Indicators: Clear marking of mandatory fields
  • Validation Messages: Real-time feedback on input validity
  • Help Text: Contextual guidance for complex fields
  • Auto-Save: Automatic saving of form progress

Action Buttons​

  • Primary Actions: Prominent buttons for main operations
  • Secondary Actions: Less prominent buttons for alternative actions
  • Destructive Actions: Warning styling for delete/remove operations
  • Loading States: Buttons show processing state during operations

Information Modals​

Used for displaying detailed information:

  • Overlay Design: Focused attention on modal content
  • Close Options: Multiple ways to close (X button, ESC key, click outside)
  • Responsive Sizing: Adapts to content and screen size
  • Scroll Handling: Proper scrolling for long content

Confirmation Dialogs​

Used for confirming destructive or important actions:

  • Clear Messaging: Explain what action will be performed
  • Action Buttons: Confirm/Cancel options with clear labels
  • Warning Indicators: Visual cues for potentially dangerous operations
  • Undo Information: When possible, explain how to reverse actions

Responsive Design​

Screen Size Adaptation​

The interface adapts to different screen sizes:

Desktop (1024px+)​

  • Full Sidebar: Complete navigation sidebar visible
  • Multi-Column Layout: Side-by-side content where appropriate
  • Hover Interactions: Rich hover states for enhanced usability

Tablet (768px - 1023px)​

  • Collapsible Sidebar: Sidebar can be hidden to save space
  • Simplified Layout: Reduced complexity for touch interaction
  • Touch Targets: Larger buttons and interactive elements

Mobile (< 768px)​

  • Hidden Sidebar: Navigation moves to overlay menu
  • Single Column: Content stacks vertically
  • Mobile-Optimized: Touch-friendly interface elements

Accessibility Features​

Keyboard Navigation​

Full keyboard support throughout the application:

  • Tab Navigation: Logical tab order through all interactive elements
  • Keyboard Shortcuts: Common shortcuts for frequent actions
  • Focus Indicators: Clear visual indication of keyboard focus
  • Skip Links: Quick navigation to main content areas

Visual Accessibility​

Support for users with visual impairments:

  • High Contrast: Support for high contrast display modes
  • Text Scaling: Interface adapts to browser text size settings
  • Color Independence: Information not conveyed by color alone
  • Alt Text: Descriptive text for images and visual elements

Screen Reader Support​

Compatibility with assistive technologies:

  • Semantic HTML: Proper heading structure and landmarks
  • ARIA Labels: Additional context for complex interface elements
  • Live Regions: Announcements for dynamic content changes
  • Descriptive Links: Clear link text that makes sense out of context

Tips for Efficient Use​

  1. Use Keyboard Shortcuts: Learn common shortcuts for faster navigation
  2. Bookmark Frequently Used Pages: Browser bookmarks for quick access
  3. Multiple Tabs: Open different sections in separate browser tabs
  4. Search First: Use search features before browsing through lists

Data Management​

  1. Use Filters: Apply filters to find specific information quickly
  2. Sort Strategically: Sort by date, name, or status as needed
  3. Bulk Operations: Select multiple items for efficient batch operations
  4. Save Searches: Bookmark or save frequently used search criteria

Performance Optimization​

  1. Close Unused Tabs: Reduce memory usage by closing unnecessary tabs
  2. Regular Refresh: Refresh pages periodically for updated data
  3. Clear Cache: Clear browser cache if experiencing performance issues
  4. Stable Connection: Ensure reliable internet connection for best performance

Getting Help​

In-App Support​

  • Help Icons: Click ? icons throughout the interface for contextual help
  • Tooltips: Hover over interface elements for quick explanations
  • Status Messages: Pay attention to system messages and notifications
  • Error Messages: Read error messages carefully for troubleshooting guidance

External Resources​

  • Documentation: This comprehensive documentation system
  • Support Team: Contact support through the help menu
  • Training Resources: Access training materials and videos
  • Community Forums: Connect with other users for tips and best practices

Interface Customization​

User Preferences​

Where available, customize the interface to your needs:

  • Sidebar Preferences: Keep sidebar expanded or collapsed by default
  • Table Views: Customize which columns to display in data tables
  • Dashboard Layout: Arrange dashboard widgets based on priority
  • Notification Settings: Configure which alerts and updates you receive

Browser Settings​

Optimize your browser for the best experience:

  • Enable JavaScript: Required for full functionality
  • Allow Cookies: Necessary for maintaining login sessions
  • Update Browser: Use a modern, updated browser for best compatibility
  • Pop-up Settings: Allow pop-ups for download and export features
Getting Started

If you're new to ept AI, start with the AI Chat interface to get familiar with basic AI interaction before exploring more advanced features like Deal Rooms or Performance Management.

Interface Updates

The ept AI interface is continuously improved based on user feedback. Interface elements and features may be updated to enhance usability and functionality.