Design Element Indexing via Metadata Repository

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current interface design tools often result in inefficient and aesthetically unpleasing websites and applications due to the lack of effective indexing and navigation of design elements, leading to user frustration and wasted time.

Innovation Solution

A method and system for indexing interface design elements using a design repository application that creates metadata entries linked to design elements, providing an interface for accessing and managing these elements, including data storage, metadata processing, and user-friendly navigation features.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If design elements are stored without structured indexing, then the repository is simple to implement, but access and navigation become difficult and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess to design elementsVSAvoidrepository structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments design elements into hierarchical categories and subcategories with structured metadata fields. Each design element is organized with specific attributes (type, style, behavior, etc.) that enable systematic navigation and filtering, transforming an unstructured repository into an efficiently accessible structured system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces metadata as an intermediary layer between the design elements and users. This metadata structure acts as a mediator that enables efficient searching, filtering, and navigation without requiring users to directly navigate through the raw design element data, thus improving accessibility while maintaining organizational complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Loss of information

If comprehensive metadata is created for all design elements, then search and navigation improve, but data processing and storage requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedesign element descriptionVSAvoidmetadata data volume

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by creating metadata entries with specific attributes tailored to different types of design elements. Rather than uniformly applying the same level of metadata detail to all elements, the system adapts the metadata structure to the specific characteristics and requirements of each design element type, optimizing information quality while managing data volume.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Adaptability or versatility

If design tools provide extensive controls and interfaces, then content creator flexibility increases, but interface design expertise requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinterface design optionsVSAvoidinterface design difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by pre-organizing design elements into categorized repositories with structured metadata and hierarchical relationships before users need to access them. This advance organization enables users to efficiently locate and utilize design elements without needing deep interface design expertise, as the heavy lifting of classification and structuring has already been performed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS8290905B1Method and system for accessing interface design elements

Publication Date: 2012.10.16 INFRAGISTICS

AI summary

A method and system for indexing design elements. The method, when performed by a special purpose computer executing a design repository application, comprises creating one or more metadata entries, linking the metadata entries to one or more design elements, and providing an interface to access the design elements. The metadata entries comprise data describing the design elements located within a design repository. The interface displays the design elements in accordance with their associated metadata.