Compact Focused Search Interface for Business Objects
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current search interfaces in application suites are cumbersome, requiring users to switch between task-oriented and search modes, making it difficult to perform searches while completing other tasks, and often cluttered with unnecessary input fields.
Innovation Solution
A compact focused search interface that presents only relevant user input fields based on user context, allowing users to search and complete tasks within the same interface, with dynamic tabs for displaying search results without losing task context.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional search interface with multiple input fields is provided, then comprehensive search capability is achieved, but the interface becomes cluttered and difficult to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The search interface is segmented into multiple tabs (search tab, results tab, detail tab) rather than displaying all functionality simultaneously. This allows comprehensive search capabilities to be available while keeping each displayed view clean and focused, resolving the contradiction between comprehensive capability and interface simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The interface transitions from a two-dimensional cluttered page layout to a multi-dimensional tabbed structure. By adding the tab dimension, the patent organizes comprehensive search functionality across multiple layers, maintaining ease of operation on each layer while providing full search capability across all layers combined.
2Adaptability or versatility
If users switch to a dedicated search mode, then search functionality is accessed, but task continuity is interrupted and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the search functionality with the task-oriented workspace by integrating the search tab within the same application window rather than requiring a separate search application or mode. Users can perform searches while remaining in their task context, eliminating mode switching and maintaining workflow efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The application window serves multiple functions simultaneously - it can display task information, perform searches, and show results all within the same interface space through tab switching. This multi-functionality eliminates the need to switch between dedicated search mode and task mode, maintaining productivity while providing comprehensive search capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If all search input fields are displayed simultaneously, then complete search options are available, but the interface becomes complex and rarely used fields are cluttered
Solution Approach 1:
The search interface dynamically adapts its complexity based on user needs. The system can present only the most relevant search fields in the main view while keeping additional fields accessible through advanced options or different tabs, making the interface complexity dynamic rather than static. This resolves the contradiction by providing complete search options when needed while maintaining simplicity during routine use.
Data Source
AI summary
A graphical user interface for searching information related to business objects includes a search interface having one or more user input fields for receiving data from a user related to one or more attributes associated with business objects. The search interface presents the one or more user input fields in response to a user context. A first tab displays information related to a set of business objects in response to a search based on the data provided to the one or more user input fields. A second tab displays information related to a business object in the set of business objects.