Two-Dimensional Selectable UX Element for Time Window Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional user interface patterns require a multi-step process for selecting time windows, such as duration and pattern, which is inefficient and does not allow for a single-step selection of combined 'buckets' like 'last complete week' or 'rolling week', lacking a seamless way to convey these selections.
Innovation Solution
A two-dimensional selectable user experience (UX) element is generated, allowing users to select one item from a table or matrix with a single action, which conveys two desired actions, such as time duration and pattern data, enabling efficient selection of time windows like 'last complete week' or 'rolling week' within a single step.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a flat list of time window options is provided for selection, then the interface is simple and easy to understand, but the user cannot efficiently select combined parameters like duration and pattern simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms a one-dimensional flat list of time window options into a two-dimensional matrix structure. The matrix has rows representing different duration options (e.g., week, month, quarter) and columns representing different pattern options (e.g., last complete, to-date, rolling). This dimensional transformation allows users to select both duration and pattern simultaneously by choosing a single cell in the matrix, thereby improving selection efficiency without significantly increasing perceived interface complexity.
2Loss of time
If a nested two-step process is used for selecting time windows (first duration, then pattern), then the selection process is systematic, but it requires multiple steps and increases time consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the two separate selection steps (duration selection and pattern selection) into a single unified matrix interface. Each cell in the matrix represents a unique combination of duration and pattern parameters. By selecting a single cell, the user simultaneously specifies both the duration and pattern, reducing the selection process from two sequential steps to one atomic action, thereby minimizing time loss while maintaining operational simplicity.
3Loss of information
If conventional UX patterns are used for time window selection, then the interface is familiar and easy to learn, but it cannot convey the nature of separate buckets (duration and pattern) effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a two-dimensional matrix structure where the row dimension represents duration buckets and the column dimension represents pattern buckets. This visual arrangement explicitly conveys the hierarchical structure of time window parameters, making it clear that time windows are composed of two independent dimensions. The matrix structure naturally communicates the relationship between duration and pattern without requiring additional explanations or complex interface elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by making each cell in the matrix distinct and selectable, with each cell representing a specific combination of duration and pattern. The visual distinction between cells allows users to understand that each position in the matrix has a unique meaning, thereby conveying information about the time window structure through the spatial arrangement and visual properties of the interface elements.
Data Source
AI summary
Various methods, apparatuses/systems, and media for generating a two-dimensional selectable user experience (UX) element are disclosed. A client device having a graphical user interface (GUI) for receiving user input is configured to run interface applications. The client device is coupled with one or more server devices via a communication network. The one or more server devices provides user interface (UI) metadata. A processor causes a receiver to receive the UI metadata from the one or more server devices; generates, at the client device, a two-dimensional (2D) selectable user experience (UX) element based on the received UI metadata; receives a single action user input to select a single desired field, which conveys two desired actions, from the 2D selectable UX element; and executes the two desired actions based on the selected single desired field from the 2D selectable UX element.