A method for assisting a user in identifying a subfamily of items within a family of items, comprising the steps of:</claim-text> (a) providing a computer readable data file of stored information representing at least one family of items, said data identifying at least one alternative for each item, (b) reading said data file, (c) displaying a feature screen indicating said alternatives represented in the family, (d) accepting a first selection criteria of at least one alternative, (e) determining a first subfamily of items wherein each said item in the first subfamily satisfies said first selection criteria, (f) determining available alternatives represented in the first subfamily, (g) revising said feature screen to indicate the available alternatives of the first subfamily, (h) accepting a second selection criteria comprising the alternative or alternatives of the first selection criteria plus at least one alternative selected from the revised feature screen, (i) determining a second subfamily of items of the family wherein each item in the second subfamily satisfies said second selection criteria, (j) determining available alternatives represented in the second subfamily, and (k) revising said feature screen to indicate the available alternatives of the second subfamily. view more

The method of claim <HIL><BOLD>1</BOLD></HIL> wherein each family has at least one feature associated therewith and further comprising the step of</claim-text> displaying at least one grouping wherein each said grouping comprises one of said features e alternatives. view more

The method according to claim <HIL><BOLD>2</BOLD></HIL> and further comprising the step of:</claim-text> providing an interactive pointer and displaying information specific to one of said features upon a user initiated signal when said pointer is on said feature screen. view more

The method according to claim <HIL><BOLD>2</BOLD></HIL> wherein at least one said groupings is hidden from view if all said respective alternatives are not available.