Contextual On-Object Control Launchers for Document Editing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electronic document editing software provides complex and unorganized editing tools for objects, making it difficult for users to discover and efficiently use the most commonly needed editing controls.
Innovation Solution
On-object editing controls are displayed next to selected objects, offering a user-friendly interface with the most commonly used editing tools, including buttons for layout, element addition/removal, and style editing, which are hidden when not in use, and feature tooltips for functionality clarification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If editing tools are provided in traditional menu locations, then comprehensive editing functionality is available, but the tools become complex, unorganized, and hard to find
Solution Approach 1:
The editing controls are segmented and organized into contextual categories (e.g., shape formatting, image formatting, table formatting) based on the selected object type. Each category presents only the relevant controls for that specific object, dividing the comprehensive but complex toolset into manageable, context-specific segments that are easy to locate and use.
Solution Approach 2:
A contextual controls interface acts as an intermediary between the user and the comprehensive editing functionality. This interface mediates by filtering and presenting only the most relevant controls based on the selected object type, eliminating the need for users to navigate through complex traditional menus while still providing access to all necessary editing capabilities.
2Adaptability or versatility
If all editing controls are displayed at once, then complete editing functionality is accessible, but the interface becomes cluttered and difficult to navigate
Solution Approach 1:
The interface applies local quality by customizing the control set displayed based on the specific object type selected. Each object type (shape, image, table, etc.) receives a tailored set of controls that are locally optimized for that object's editing needs, rather than presenting a uniform comprehensive menu for all objects. This ensures completeness of functionality while maintaining interface simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The controls interface is dynamic and adapts automatically based on the user's selection. When an object is selected, the system dynamically determines the appropriate contextual category and displays the relevant controls for that category. This dynamic adaptation ensures that the interface remains simple and easy to navigate while still providing access to complete editing functionality when needed.
3Productivity
If contextual controls are displayed next to objects, then the most commonly used controls are easily accessible, but additional controls may be harder to locate
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by automatically identifying and displaying the most relevant controls for the selected object type before the user even searches for them. The contextual controls interface proactively presents the appropriate control category (shape, image, table, etc.) based on the object selection, so users immediately have access to the controls they need for common operations without having to search through menus or toolbars.
Data Source
AI summary
Object editing controls may be provided. First, a selection of an object within an electronic document may be received. Then, in response to the received selection of the object, at least one selectable control may be displayed. The at least one selectable control may be configured to provide a set of most commonly used editing controls for editing the selected object. Upon selection of the at least one selectable control, a user interface comprising the set of most commonly used editing controls may be deployed next to the selected object.