Abstract: A method to allow a user to cause a machine to make an utterance, together with apparatus for obtaining input from a user. The method comprises the steps of: analysing the context within which the utterance is to be made; creating a list of utterances appropriate to the context; on a human/machine interface, creating an indication that identifies to the user those utterances that are available, and allowing the user to indicate one of those utterances; and causing an utterance indicated by the user to be made. The apparatus comprises: a visual display configured to display a plurality of indicia angularly spaced on a locus about an origin, each of the plurality of indicia corresponding to a respective option; and an input device for use in indicating an angular position, wherein the apparatus is configured to generate an input event corresponding to an option associated with one of the plurality of indicia at an angular position corresponding to an angular position indicated by the input device.

Abstract: A method of displaying results of a financial model for forecasting at least one financial variable relating to a client. The method comprises the steps of receiving asset and liability data regarding the client; generating forecasted values for the financial variables over a number of simulations using the asset and liability data; and displaying a topographical chart on a user interface. The topographical chart may be positioned on a plane shown in the user interface. The plane may be defined by a time axis and a value axis for the at least one financial variable, such that a coordinate set on the plane represents the value of the at least one financial variable at a time point. The height of a first point on the topographical chart corresponding to the coordinate set may indicate a portion of the simulations that result in the coordinate set.