Dynamic Menu Configuration for Screen Space Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing user interfaces for electronic devices often fail to provide intuitive and efficient menu navigation for users of varying experience levels, as they typically require significant screen real estate and do not adapt to user input styles effectively.
Innovation Solution
A method that allows a menu to be displayed in two configurations based on user input, where a first user input (e.g., a touch on an icon) can trigger a compact menu for experienced users and a second user input (e.g., a release of the touch) can reveal a larger, more informative menu for novice users, optimizing screen usage and interaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a menu is displayed in a large configuration with full information, then ease of operation is improved for novice users, but screen real estate is reduced and experienced users face unnecessary complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The menu dynamically changes its configuration based on user interaction state. When a user presses an icon, the menu expands to show additional information and options. When the user releases or taps outside, the menu contracts to a compact state. This dynamic adaptation allows the menu to provide comprehensive information when needed while minimizing screen occupation during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The menu uses a nested structure where additional menu options and information are contained within the compact menu structure. When expanded, sub-menus and detailed options are revealed within the existing menu framework. This nesting allows the menu to maintain a small footprint while containing comprehensive functionality that can be accessed on-demand.
2Area of stationary object
If a menu is displayed in a compact configuration, then screen real estate is preserved, but ease of operation deteriorates for novice users who need more information
Solution Approach 1:
The menu transitions from a compact state to an expanded state upon user interaction. The compact state preserves screen real estate for normal content display, while the expanded state provides comprehensive information and options. This dynamic transformation ensures that the menu adapts to user needs without permanently occupying excessive screen space.
Solution Approach 2:
The menu system prepares both compact and expanded configurations in advance. The compact configuration is the default state that preserves screen real estate, while the expanded configuration with full information is pre-prepared to be activated on-demand. This preliminary preparation allows instant switching between states without performance degradation.
3Measurement precision
If a menu requires multiple user inputs to display, then accuracy of user intent is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to additional interaction steps
Solution Approach 1:
The menu responds dynamically to different phases of user interaction. During the press phase, the menu expands to show available options, allowing the user to see what actions are possible. During the release or outside-tap phase, the menu contracts and executes the selected action or dismisses itself. This dynamic response to interaction phase provides both accuracy and efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The menu system allows experienced users to skip through the interaction process efficiently. By providing a compact state that can be quickly activated and dismissed, and by allowing external taps to dismiss the menu without requiring additional selection steps, the system enables rapid interaction for users who are familiar with the interface.
4Ease of operation
If a menu is always visible, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases and screen real estate is permanently reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The menu transitions between visible and hidden states dynamically based on user interaction. It appears as an overlay when activated and disappears when dismissed or when the user interacts with the background content. This dynamic visibility allows the menu to be accessible when needed while maintaining a clean, simple interface during normal operation, avoiding permanent complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
An electronic device comprising a display and means for receiving user input, a method of operation thereof and computer software, the method comprising, while receiving a first user input, displaying a menu in a first configuration, the menu in a first configuration having one or more menu elements; and on receiving a second user input continuous from the first user input, displaying the menu in a second configuration, wherein at least one element of the menu in the first configuration is represented in the menu in the second configuration.