Context-Sensitive Shortcut Menu with Chronological Function Reordering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional menus in computing devices are time-consuming and decrease usability as users must cycle through various commands or search extensively to find and select desired functions for displayed objects, especially when objects are presented in multiple contexts.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method displays a context-sensitive shortcut menu that includes a set of functions related to the context of the displayed object, with the most recently used functions listed chronologically at the top, allowing quick access to frequently used functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional menus display all available functions in a fixed order, then users can access all functions, but users must cycle through various commands or search extensively to find desired functions, increasing time consumption and decreasing usability
Solution Approach 1:
The menu structure is made dynamic by automatically reorganizing function display order based on user interaction history. Frequently used functions are automatically moved to more prominent positions (such as the top of the menu or a dedicated quick access section), while less used functions remain in standard positions. This dynamic adaptation eliminates the need for users to manually search through fixed-order menus, directly reducing time consumption and improving usability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-positioning frequently used functions in optimal locations within the menu based on historical usage data. Before the user even needs to search, the menu has already been organized to place the most likely needed functions in easily accessible positions. This proactive organization based on past behavior patterns allows users to access desired functions with minimal searching, directly addressing the time consumption problem.
2Adaptability or versatility
If menus include all functions for displayed objects in multiple contexts, then users can access complete functionality, but the menu becomes more complex and harder to navigate
Solution Approach 1:
The menu is segmented into multiple organized sections: frequently used functions are separated into a dedicated quick-access section, while less frequently used functions are organized in contextual categories. This segmentation allows the menu to maintain complete functionality while reducing perceived complexity by grouping related functions and placing the most important ones in a prominent, easily accessible section that users can scan quickly.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the menu are given different organizational qualities based on usage patterns. The top section or quick-access area is optimized for frequently used functions with prominent display and minimal navigation, while other sections maintain comprehensive but more traditionally organized function lists. This local differentiation allows the menu to provide both quick access to common functions and complete access to all functions without presenting the entire complexity at once.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer implemented method displays an object. The method includes causing the display of a context specific shortcut menu in response to a user command. The menu can include a set of functions relating to the context of the displayed object and a set of a predetermined number of the most recently used functions relating to the context of the displayed object. The most recently used functions can be displayed above the other functions.