Some UX thoughts


Nodal Interface
The nodal interface represents a visual and interactive way to organize and connect ideas, tasks, and information. It’s akin to a mind map or TheBrain, where related concepts are linked together to form a web of associations. This interface serves as the foundation for the holarchy UI, allowing users to navigate and manipulate complex networks of data in an intuitive manner. By providing a flexible and dynamic framework for organizing information, the nodal interface enables users to create customized workflows, map out projects, and track progress in a highly adaptable environment.

Nodes are Persistent Contexts of Related Information
In the context of the holarchy UI, nodes represent self-contained units of related information that persist over time. These nodes can contain various types of data, such as text, images, or other media, which are organized around a central theme or concept. By grouping related information into discrete nodes, users can easily access and manage complex datasets, reducing cognitive overhead and improving overall productivity. Nodes can be thought of as containers that hold relevant information, making it simpler to find, retrieve, and manipulate data as needed.

Nodes have Member Holons which we Call Agents or Siblings
Nodes in the holarchy UI are composed of smaller, autonomous units called holons, which are also referred to as agents or siblings. These holons can be thought of as mini-nodes that contain specific information or perform particular functions within the larger node. By breaking down nodes into smaller, more manageable components, users can create complex systems that are modular, scalable, and easier to maintain. Agents or siblings can interact with each other and their parent node, enabling dynamic behavior and emergent properties that arise from the interactions between individual holons.

Even Static Foreign Info is a Holon/Agent because it’s Wrapped in Ontology
Even static foreign information, such as external data sources or legacy systems, can be integrated into the holarchy UI as holons or agents. By wrapping this foreign information in an ontology, which provides a common framework for understanding and interacting with the data, users can incorporate diverse datasets into their nodal interface. This enables seamless integration of external information, allowing users to leverage existing knowledge bases and systems within their customized workflows. The ontology layer ensures that foreign information is properly contextualized and made accessible, facilitating its use in conjunction with other nodes and holons.

Nodes can be Distributed
Nodes in the holarchy UI are not limited to a single location or device; they can be distributed across multiple machines, networks, or even geographical locations. This allows users to collaborate on shared nodes, access information from anywhere, and ensure that critical data is backed up and recoverable in case of failure. Distributed nodes can be formed by grouping spatially separated agent members, which interact with each other to maintain a consistent and up-to-date state. By enabling distributed nodes, the holarchy UI provides a robust and resilient framework for managing complex information systems.

Formed from an Interacting Group of Spatially-Separated Agent Members
Distributed nodes are created by combining multiple agent members that interact with each other to maintain a shared state. These agents can be located on different devices, networks, or even in different geographical locations, yet they work together seamlessly to provide a unified view of the node’s information. By leveraging distributed computing principles, the holarchy UI enables users to build highly available and scalable systems that can adapt to changing conditions and user needs.

All Offline-First Groups as Local Cache that Sync on Best-Effort Basis
To ensure that users can access their nodes even when disconnected from the network, the holarchy UI implements an offline-first approach. This means that all data is stored locally on the user’s device, and synchronization with other nodes or remote systems occurs on a best-effort basis when connectivity is available. By maintaining a local cache of node data, users can continue working on their projects without interruption, even in areas with limited or no internet access.

Nodes can be Behavioural by Embodying Languages (Packages, Classes)
Nodes in the holarchy UI can exhibit behavioral properties by incorporating languages, packages, or classes that define specific workflows, patterns, or best practices. This enables users to create nodes that are not just passive containers for information but active components that can perform tasks, respond to events, and adapt to changing conditions. By embodying languages and behaviors within nodes, the holarchy UI provides a powerful framework for building complex systems that can evolve and improve over time.

Schemas, Workflow Patterns, Best Practices, and SOPs
Nodes can be designed to incorporate various schemas, workflow patterns, best practices, and standard operating procedures (SOPs) that guide user interactions and ensure consistency across the system. By embedding these structures within nodes, users can create repeatable processes, reduce errors, and improve overall productivity. The holarchy UI provides a flexible framework for defining and applying these structures, enabling users to tailor their workflows to specific needs and contexts.

Schedule of Attention and Resource Allocated (Booked) into Time-Slots
To manage user attention and resource allocation effectively, nodes in the holarchy UI can be scheduled with specific time-slots or intervals. This allows users to allocate dedicated blocks of time for focused work, meetings, or other activities, ensuring that critical tasks receive sufficient attention. By integrating scheduling capabilities within nodes, the holarchy UI provides a powerful tool for managing user time and resources.

Conditional or Cyclic Phases of Operation or Pipelines
Nodes can be designed to operate in conditional or cyclic phases, enabling users to create complex workflows that adapt to changing conditions or respond to specific events. This allows for the creation of pipelines that process information in a staged manner, with each phase building on the previous one to produce a desired outcome. By incorporating conditional or cyclic behavior within nodes, the holarchy UI provides a flexible framework for modeling and executing complex business processes.

Sessions of Interaction Operating on the Persistent Group State
The holarchy UI enables users to engage in sessions of interaction that operate on the persistent group state of a node. This means that multiple users can collaborate on a shared node, with each user’s interactions building on the previous state to produce a cumulative effect. By providing a shared, persistent state for nodes, the holarchy UI facilitates real-time collaboration and ensures that all users are working with the most up-to-date information.

Forming the Base Activity Stream and Thread of Progress for the Node
Sessions of interaction within the holarchy UI form the base activity stream and thread of progress for a node. As users interact with a node, their actions create a record of activity that reflects the evolution of the node’s state over time. This activity stream provides a valuable history of user interactions, enabling nodes to maintain a memory of past events and adapt to changing conditions.

The Shared In-Progress State is the Subject of Interaction
The shared in-progress state of a node serves as the subject of interaction within the holarchy UI. As users collaborate on a node, they are interacting with the current state of the node, which reflects the cumulative effect of all previous interactions. By focusing on the shared in-progress state, the holarchy UI enables users to work together effectively, ensuring that all parties are aware of the current context and can contribute to the node’s evolution in a meaningful way.


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