What Is A Software Wizard?

Date First Published: 2nd March 2024

Topic: Computer Systems

Subtopic: Computer Software

Article Type: Computer Terms & Definitions

Difficulty: Medium

Difficulty Level: 4/10

CONTENTS

Uses Of Wizards
Elements Of A Wizard

Learn about what a software wizard is in this article.

A software wizard is a user interface that automates complex tasks by asking the user a series of simple questions. Wizards can use menus, drop-down lists, checkboxes, command buttons and other tools to take a complex process and break it down into smaller steps. For example, instead of typing a series of commands, an installation wizard simplifies the process by converting the dialogues to the commands that the developer would need to type.

Wizards have been criticised for obscuring the underlying operations and slowing down complex tasks. Experienced users can skip wizards and do each step on their own, but they ensure that users don't forget a necessary step by presenting one at a time and asking several questions.

Uses Of Wizards

Wizards are used to help guide users through tasks. Complex tasks that require more space for explanation than other types of user interfaces would allow use a wizard. For example, Windows uses wizards to help guide users through the installation process and set up options as desired. Spreadsheet and database software use wizards to guide users through data import and export options and Microsoft Word uses a mail merge wizard that helps guide users through automatically creating form letters using a database of contact information.

Elements Of A Wizard

Different elements of a wizard include:

Banner - Contains the page title and an icon.
Content pane - Each wizard page contains a content pane, which displays the page text and controls.
Navigation buttons - Located at the bottom right corner. The buttons include 'Previous', 'Next', 'Finish', and 'Cancel'. Buttons can be disabled, but not hidden.
Orientation pane - The orientation pane allows users to see the number of steps required to accomplish the task and where they are in the process of completing the task.
Progress pages - Some wizards have long actions performed during the wizard. If so, it is important to give users some sense of how long the process will take.
Confirmation pages - Displayed at any point when the user has made selections that should be verified before proceeding. A confirmation page provides a list of each selection made by the user.
Closing page - After the wizard has finished, there is usually a closing page stating that the operation was successful or unsuccessful.