Controller Command Display Layout for Easier Button Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing number of operation buttons on controllers for electronic devices leads to poor usability, as it becomes difficult to find the correct button for a desired operation, especially with the addition of new functions.
Innovation Solution
A controller with displaying means that separates commands into two areas: one for cursor-based selection and setting using specific operation units, and another for direct operation using different units, allowing for easier identification and execution of frequently used commands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If many functions are introduced to electronic apparatuses and all functions are made controllable with a controller, then the functionality of the controller is improved, but the number of operation buttons increases and the size of the controller increases, resulting in poor usability
Solution Approach 1:
The controller divides operation buttons into two distinct groups: a first group of buttons for selecting commands and a second group of buttons for setting commands. This segmentation allows the controller to maintain comprehensive functionality while reducing the cognitive load on users, as they can focus on one type of operation at a time rather than searching through all buttons simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller introduces a temporal dimension to the operation process by separating selection and setting into distinct time periods. Users first select a command using the first group of buttons, then subsequently set it using the second group of buttons. This transforms a spatial problem (finding buttons among many) into a temporal process (select first, then set), improving usability while maintaining full functionality.
2Adaptability or versatility
If many buttons are provided on the controller, then more functions can be controlled, but it becomes harder to find a button used for performing a desired operation
Solution Approach 1:
The controller segments the button set into functionally distinct groups: first buttons dedicated to command selection and second buttons dedicated to command setting. This segmentation creates clear visual and functional categories, allowing users to quickly identify which group of buttons to use based on their current task, thereby reducing the difficulty of finding the correct button while maintaining support for multiple functions.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the controller (first buttons vs. second buttons) are assigned different functional qualities. The first buttons are optimized for selection operations while the second buttons are optimized for setting operations. This local differentiation of button qualities enables users to intuitively locate the appropriate buttons for their current need without having to search through the entire button set.
Data Source
AI summary
A controller has a display unit for displaying commands used for controlling apparatuses, wherein the display unit includes a first area for displaying commands selected with a first operation unit and set with a second operation unit, and a second area for displaying commands selected and set at the same time with a third operation unit.