Dynamic Search Result Reordering on Digital Maps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable devices face challenges in providing an intuitive and efficient user interface for interactive digital maps due to limited screen real estate, making it difficult to effectively display controls and information related to geographic search results.
Innovation Solution
A software application dynamically updates the order of geographic search results based on user selection and original order, displaying icons on the map and providing information in a secondary window, allowing users to navigate through results with gestures like swiping, while maintaining an efficient use of screen space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple controls and information sheets are displayed on the screen, then more functions and information are provided, but screen real estate is wasted and the interface becomes cluttered
Solution Approach 1:
The interface is divided into distinct functional segments: a search bar overlay for input, a results list for displaying options, and individual result cards for detailed information. Each segment can be independently interacted with and can be dismissed or minimized, allowing efficient use of screen space while maintaining full functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The search results are displayed in a vertical list dimension that overlays the map view, rather than requiring separate horizontal space. Result details are presented in expandable cards that utilize the vertical dimension, allowing multiple layers of information to coexist without cluttering the primary map display area.
2Loss of information
If all search results are displayed with full information, then complete information is provided, but the interface becomes complex and difficult to navigate
Solution Approach 1:
Different parts of the interface provide different levels of information density. The results list provides concise summaries with key details, while individual result cards provide expanded information only when selected. This allows information to be available on demand without overwhelming the user with all details simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The interface dynamically adjusts its information presentation based on user interaction. When a result is selected, its information card expands to show full details, while other results remain in a condensed state. This dynamic transformation allows the interface to provide complete information when needed while maintaining simplicity during normal browsing.
3Ease of operation
If the search results list is updated dynamically based on selections, then user preferences are tracked and results are personalized, but additional processing and complexity are introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by tracking which results users select and using this information to dynamically reorder the results list. Selected results are moved to the top of subsequent search result lists, providing personalized results based on user preferences. This feedback mechanism is implemented through simple array manipulation operations that track selection history and reorder results accordingly.
Data Source
AI summary
A list of geographic search results is received, where each search result includes a location of a corresponding geographic entity and information related to the geographic entity. The list is organized according to an original order. The received search results are provided via the user interface according to the original order. In response to receiving a selection of one of the geographic search results via the user interface, a modified order of the list is generated based on (i) the original order of the list and (ii) the order in which the selection was received relative to other selections of geographic search results from the list. The received search results then are provided via the user interface according to the modified order.