Dynamic User Interface State Reconfiguration via Animation

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Solution Overview

Problem

As the complexity of graphical user interfaces (GUIs) increases with multiple functions, tools become large and unwieldy, leading to user confusion due to abrupt transitions and the need for repeated exposure to interpret changes on the screen.

Innovation Solution

The user interface dynamically adjusts its size and content based on the selected function, using animation to morph from one state to another, minimizing confusion by providing instant visual feedback and elevating interface elements to tangible interactions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the tool includes multiple functions to increase versatility, then the functionality is improved, but the tool size becomes large and unwieldy

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoidtool size

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The tool interface is segmented into multiple pages, each dedicated to a specific function. When a user selects a function, only the relevant page is displayed, dividing the complex multi-functional tool into manageable, function-specific segments that fit within the fixed tool area.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a temporal dimension through animation transitions, transforming the spatial layout changes into time-based morphing sequences. This allows the interface to expand and contract smoothly between states, effectively managing the tool size perception while maintaining all functions accessible across different time states.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the tool adapts its appearance to display function-specific items, then the interface customization is improved, but user confusion increases due to abrupt transitions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinterface customizationVSAvoiduser confusion

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The interface transitions from static to dynamic through animation effects. Instead of abrupt appearances and disappearances of interface elements, the system uses continuous morphing animations that dynamically transform the interface from one functional state to another, making changes visible and predictable rather than sudden and confusing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The animation system provides visual feedback during state transitions. Users can see the interface elements morphing and transforming in real-time, giving them continuous information about what is changing and why, which reduces confusion by making the adaptation process transparent and predictable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Speed

If the interface elements are added or removed abruptly, then the response speed is improved, but user disorientation increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresponse speedVSAvoiduser disorientation

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces abrupt element addition/removal with dynamic morphing animations. Interface elements smoothly transform, shrink, expand, or reposition themselves during transition, maintaining visual continuity while achieving rapid state changes. This dynamic approach preserves response speed while eliminating disorienting abruptness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS7432928B2User interface state reconfiguration through animation

Publication Date: 2008.10.07 MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING LLC

AI summary

The size of a tool displayed in a user interface can be dynamically adjusted based on the current needs of the tool. When the user chooses a new function to perform using the tool, the tool's size and appearance is adjusted to an interface tailored for the selected function. To minimize confusion to the user, these dynamic adjustments can be performed using animation effects.