Abstract: A user interface for providing an information gateway between a user and a computer platform includes two or more windows for displaying information, and for facilitating information entry from a user. The windows may be in the form of a rectangular box, although other shapes may be used. The size and/or shape of each of the windows changes as the window content changes. The user interface requires the user sequentially step through the windows, completing the required data entry for each window before proceeding to the subsequent window. As the user encounters a particular window, that window expands to display details of the window content. When the user completes the data entry fields of an expanded window and proceeds to the subsequent window, the completed window collapses to display a summary of the content. The expansion or collapse of a window may occur in a gradual or abrupt transition.