Customizable Menu System for Enterprise Application Suite Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing navigation tools in enterprise software suites are inadequate, requiring users to leave their current application to access other applications, leading to inefficient navigation and access to irrelevant or unauthorized menu items.
Innovation Solution
A customizable menu system is provided within the business application suite, allowing users to navigate between applications without leaving their current screen, with menu items organized hierarchically and dynamically adjusted for screen real estate, and permissions-based access to ensure relevance and accessibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a navigator page is provided to allow users to navigate between applications, then users can access different applications within the suite, but users must leave their current application screen to access the navigator page
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the navigation functionality directly into the current application screen by displaying a second set of window thumbnails (representing other applications) alongside the first set of window thumbnails (representing current application windows). This allows users to navigate between applications without leaving the current screen, combining the benefits of both staying in the current application and accessing navigation capabilities.
2Adaptability or versatility
If all menu items are displayed for all applications, then users have access to all functions, but users see irrelevant or unauthorized menu items that do not pertain to their role or permissions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by customizing the display of menu items and window thumbnails based on user-specific attributes such as role, permissions, and preferences. Different users see different subsets of applications and functions tailored to their needs, rather than a uniform display for all users. This reduces menu complexity for each user while maintaining full functionality for those who need it.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a comprehensive navigation system is provided to allow access to all applications, then all functions are accessible, but the navigation system becomes complex and difficult to use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the navigation interface by displaying different sets of window thumbnails for different applications, with each set representing a different application or function area. Users can selectively access different segments based on their needs. This segmentation reduces the perceived complexity by organizing numerous applications into manageable groups while maintaining comprehensive access capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by allowing the navigation interface to adapt and change based on user interactions, selections, and context. The display of window thumbnails and menu items dynamically adjusts to show only relevant options for the current context and user role, making the navigation system simpler to use while maintaining comprehensive access to all applications when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
Novel tools for navigating among a suite of business applications, including without limitation menu systems for business application suites. In some cases, the menu is customized for a particular user of the business application suite. Hence, for example, a menu might comprise only items necessary to that user's job function and/or access level, as defined by one or more user roles that the user possesses. In another example, menu items may be provided only for actions that the user has appropriate permissions to take and/or pages that the user has appropriate permissions to view.