Compass Rose Navigation Widget for Business Software
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional graphical user interface techniques for business software applications often require re-activation of menus for navigation in multiple directions and limit navigation to a single target, leading to inefficient traversal and increased dead ends.
Innovation Solution
A navigation element with multiple graphical user interface elements corresponding to axes, allowing users to select and traverse in various directions, including a 'back' option, is displayed, enabling efficient navigation through business software applications by mapping options on standard axes and providing preview elements for context.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional selectable menus are used for navigation, then context-sensitive navigation is enabled, but multiple re-activations are required for multi-directional traversal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple navigation directions and options into a single navigation widget that displays all available actions simultaneously. Instead of requiring users to re-activate menus for each direction, the widget merges context-sensitive navigation options into one unified interface where all actions are visible and selectable at once, eliminating the need for repeated menu activations.
Solution Approach 2:
The navigation widget performs preliminary action by pre-loading and displaying all available navigation options when the widget is activated. Context-sensitive menu items are prepared and presented in advance, allowing users to see all possible navigation paths before making a selection, rather than requiring sequential re-activation of menus for each direction.
2Ease of operation
If clickable elements with single navigation targets are used, then simple activation is achieved, but navigation to multiple targets is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The navigation widget embodies multi-functionality by enabling a single activation to access multiple navigation targets and directions. Each clickable element within the widget can represent different navigation actions (e.g., drill-up, drill-down, pivot, filter), allowing one widget instance to perform multiple navigation functions that would traditionally require separate controls for each target.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a dimensional aspect to navigation by organizing options along axes (such as hierarchy levels and data dimensions). This transforms the flat single-target navigation into a multi-dimensional navigation space where users can move along different axes from a single starting point, effectively multiplying the number of accessible targets without multiplying the number of controls.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional navigation patterns are used, then standard interface elements are maintained, but navigation efficiency and dead ends increase
Solution Approach 1:
The navigation widget introduces dynamic behavior by adapting its displayed options based on the current context and user actions. The widget can dynamically update available navigation paths, show preview elements for upcoming states, and adjust its presentation based on user interaction patterns, making the navigation process more efficient while maintaining interface consistency.
Solution Approach 2:
The widget incorporates feedback mechanisms by displaying preview elements that show users the state they will transition to before execution. This feedback allows users to verify navigation paths and avoid dead ends by seeing the outcome previewed, thereby improving navigation efficiency and reducing unsuccessful traversal attempts.
Data Source
AI summary
A graphical user interface control with a plurality of elements can be used to traverse a software application used to effect business processes. In some variations, the control takes the shape of a compass rose with at least two opposite axes, the activation of which cause the information displayed within the software application to become coarser or more granular depending on which of the two axes is selected. Related techniques, apparatus, systems, and articles.