Energy Map Visualization for Resource Allocation Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current executive dashboards are inadequate in tracking how resources are allocated to company priorities, making it difficult for senior executives to determine which team members are assigned to each priority and the quantity of resources devoted to achieving them, leading to inefficient resource utilization.
Innovation Solution
A mechanism for creating an energy map that visually represents the allocation of resources to different priorities, allowing executives to understand and compare the importance of priorities with the resources allocated to them, enabling better decision-making on resource reallocation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If current executive dashboards are used to track company priorities, then information can be presented in a graphical format, but the dashboards fail to provide visibility into resource allocation and energy devoted to each priority
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the dashboard into distinct functional modules: a priority definition module that defines company priorities with importance levels, a task assignment module that assigns tasks to team members linked to priorities, and an energy map module that visualizes resource allocation. This segmentation allows each module to handle specific aspects of priority tracking independently, preventing information loss while maintaining manageable complexity through modular architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimensional representation called the 'energy map' that adds a visual dimension to traditional dashboards. This energy map uses graphical indicators (such as bar lengths or color intensities) to represent the amount of energy or resources devoted to each priority, transforming abstract resource allocation data into a visually perceivable dimension that complements the tabular priority information.
2Productivity
If detailed tracking of team member assignments and resource quantities is implemented, then resource utilization efficiency improves, but the complexity of the tracking system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service capabilities where team members automatically report their task completion status and energy expenditure through simple interface interactions. The system automatically aggregates this data and updates the energy map visualizations without requiring manual intervention from executives. This automation maintains high resource utilization efficiency while minimizing the operational complexity of the tracking system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback loops where the energy map visualizations provide immediate feedback to executives about resource allocation imbalances. When certain priorities receive disproportionate energy investment compared to their importance level, the system highlights these discrepancies, enabling executives to make real-time adjustments. This feedback mechanism improves resource utilization efficiency by making allocation issues visible without requiring complex analytical tools.
3Loss of information
If the dashboard displays comprehensive information about all priorities and resources, then complete visibility is achieved, but the information becomes difficult to absorb in a short time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs color-coded indicators in the energy map to convey priority status and resource allocation information at a glance. Different colors represent different importance levels, resource allocation adequacy, and completion statuses. This color-coding system allows executives to absorb comprehensive priority information rapidly by processing visual cues rather than reading detailed text descriptions, thus reducing review time while maintaining complete information visibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a hierarchical information display where the energy map provides a high-level overview of all priorities and resource allocations simultaneously. Executives can quickly scan the entire portfolio of priorities using the visual map, then drill down into specific priority details only when needed. This partial viewing approach allows comprehensive information to be available without requiring executives to process all details at once, significantly reducing absorption time while maintaining complete information accessibility.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for providing a planning canvas may include receiving a request for a planning canvas, defining one or more group priorities for the planning canvas for one or more time periods based at least in part on one or more received user interactions, receiving a confirmation to release the planning canvas, and in response to receiving the confirmation to release the planning canvas, enabling access to the one or more group priorities for one or more associated users.