Dynamic Quick Actions Sidebar for Web Browser Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing applications require multiple user interactions to access functions, leading to increased time to complete tasks, hindered discoverability, and reduced utilization of application features, particularly for users with disabilities.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of dynamic quick actions that are generated and displayed in a quick-actions card, allowing users to access common application functions with a single click, without requiring multiple user interactions. These quick actions can be customized based on live data and user behavior.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If functions are located within a menu or hierarchical structure, then application organization is maintained, but user interaction time increases and discoverability is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments application functions into two categories: common functions accessible via quick actions in the sidebar, and less frequently used functions accessible through traditional menus. This segmentation allows users to access commonly needed functions immediately without navigating through hierarchical menus, thereby reducing interaction time while maintaining organized access to all functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring quick action buttons in the sidebar that directly access commonly used application functions. These quick actions are set up in advance based on usage analysis, allowing users to perform frequent tasks with minimal interactions without needing to navigate through menu structures each time.
2Productivity
If multiple user interactions are required to access functions, then application control precision is maintained, but user efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the user interface into a sidebar with quick action buttons and a main content area with traditional menus. This segmentation enables users to access commonly used functions through the sidebar with minimal interactions, improving productivity for frequent tasks, while preserving the detailed hierarchical menu structure for comprehensive function access when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts frequently used application functions from the traditional menu hierarchy and places them as standalone quick action buttons in the sidebar. This extraction allows these functions to be accessed directly without requiring users to navigate through multiple menu levels, thereby reducing the number of interactions required while maintaining access to all other functions through the original menu structure.
3Ease of operation
If quick actions are displayed prominently, then accessibility to functions is improved, but potential occluding effects on web browser interaction increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the quick actions sidebar vertically along the edge of the web browser interface, utilizing the lateral dimension rather than overlaying content in the main viewing area. This dimensional placement allows quick action buttons to be easily accessible without blocking the web browser content, as the sidebar occupies minimal horizontal space while providing direct access to application functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by making the sidebar transparent or visually distinct from the main web browser content area. The quick action buttons are styled to be clearly visible and distinguishable from web content, allowing users to easily identify and interact with application functions without confusion or occlusion of the primary web browser interface.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for generating dynamic quick actions for an application in a web browser. The dynamic quick actions correspond to various functions of an application accessible via a web browser sidebar interface. When a hover event is detected in association with an icon of the application, a quick-actions card is generated that includes quick actions of the application from which the user can select. For instance, a selection of a quick action triggers the web browser to execute an action that causes the application function to be performed. Thus, application functions are able to be surfaced and controlled via a single input device selection (e.g., a mouse click).