A method and system are disclosed for permitting automatic interaction between data and multiple applications in a data processing system. A selectable graphic representation associated with each application is displayed within the data processing system and after user selection of a particular graphic representation, designated data is automatically transferred to or utilized to access the associated application. A distinctive highlight overlay is associated with each graphic representation and utilized to graphically highlight data selected by user for interaction with a selected application. Alternately, data selected by a user may be utilized to automatically select a particular application to transfer that data to or for access and the distinctive highlight overlay associated with the particular application is then utilized to visually confirm access to that application.

An interactive rule based system enables problem solutions to be generated in schematic diagram form. A methodology designer selects and arranges graphic primitives using a graphics terminal to create a library of icons. Under control of a computer processor, the methodology designer is prompted to identify, by way example, parameters for using each icon. The system generates and stores a specific set of rules pertaining to the use of each icon on the basis of the parameters identified. The stored rules are cross-referenced to the icon to which they pertain, so that whenever the icon is selected by a problem solving user for use in building a problem solution, the rules pertaining thereto will be accessed and applied.

The present invention provides an interface between the user and a computer system. Specifically, the user may predefine various tasks, indicia of which are displayed on a display screen associated with the computer system. A respective task may be effected by designating the indicia of the task on the display screen with an indicator (such as a cursor) and depressing a single button. The position of the indicator on the display screen may be specified by the moving of a mouse pointing device.