Configurable UI Pattern Development for Enterprise Applications
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing user interface development methods lack efficiency in creating uniform and configurable user interfaces across applications, leading to variability in design and complexity in managing user interactions with back-end systems.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of pattern-based techniques for developing user interface applications, where graphic representations of patterns with prearranged elements specify actions and can be configured with user input to associate UI elements with back-end entities, reducing complexity and enhancing user understanding through graphical presentation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional user interface development methods are used, then developers have flexibility in designing unique interfaces, but the complexity of managing user interactions with back-end systems increases and uniformity across applications decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments user interface development into reusable pattern components (e.g., header patterns, navigation patterns, content patterns) that can be independently configured and assembled. This segmentation allows uniformity through standardized patterns while reducing complexity by breaking down complex interface management into manageable, pre-defined units that map to specific back-end system interactions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates universal pattern templates that can serve multiple functions across different applications. These patterns are designed to be configurable and adaptable to various back-end systems (database systems, ERP systems, CRM systems) while maintaining a consistent user interface structure. The patterns act as multi-functional building blocks that reduce complexity by eliminating the need to redesign interfaces for each specific back-end interaction scenario.
2Adaptability or versatility
If custom user interface development is performed for each application, then specific user needs can be met, but the time and resources required for development increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-defining common user interface patterns and their associated back-end interaction logic before actual application development. These patterns are created in advance with configurable parameters that can be adapted to specific application needs. This preliminary preparation significantly reduces development time while maintaining customization capability, as developers only need to configure existing patterns rather than build interfaces from scratch for each application.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables copying and reusing of proven user interface patterns across multiple applications. Once a pattern is designed and tested with specific back-end system interactions, it can be copied and adapted for use in other applications, ensuring consistency and reducing development effort. The copying mechanism preserves the proven effectiveness of the original pattern while allowing configuration adjustments for specific application requirements.
3Ease of operation
If detailed configuration options are provided for pattern elements, then user understanding and control improve, but the complexity of the configuration interface increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing detailed configuration options only where necessary for specific pattern elements, while keeping the overall configuration interface simple. Each pattern element (e.g., header, navigation, content area) has its own localized configuration settings that are revealed contextually when the user works with that specific element. This approach enhances user understanding and control of individual elements without overwhelming the user with the entire system's complexity at once.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces another dimension to configuration by organizing detailed settings across multiple levels or layers. Users can configure patterns at a high level for broad control, then drill down into specific elements for detailed configuration when needed. This dimensional organization separates global pattern properties from local element properties, allowing users to understand and control configuration at the appropriate level of detail without being confronted with all complexity simultaneously.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, for developing user interface applications using configurable patterns and for executing such pattern-based applications. The applications can be developed by generating a graphic representation of a pattern, which can include multiple pattern elements having prearranged user interface elements. The pattern can specify predefined actions that can be performed using the user interface elements, and the graphic representation can include graphic objects corresponding to the pattern elements. Application development can further include receiving user input identifying a selected graphic object and modifying the graphic representation to display information regarding the pattern element corresponding to the selected graphic object.