Ergonomic UI Mode for Single-Handed Device Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Large display screens on portable electronic devices make single-handed operation difficult due to unreachable user interface elements, requiring users to switch to two-handed operation or reposition the device.
Innovation Solution
An ergonomic mode is implemented where the graphical user interface is displayed in a bottom area of the screen, allowing users to interact with previously unreachable elements without repositioning the device, and the keyboard is shifted towards the edge for easier access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the display screen size is increased to improve content consumption, then the display area is improved, but the ease of single-handed operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The display area is segmented into a first display area and a second display area. The first display area displays content in a conventional manner, while the second display area displays a user interface in an ergonomic layout optimized for single-handed operation. This segmentation allows the system to simultaneously provide large display area and easy single-handed operation by directing different content to different display regions.
2Area of stationary object
If the application interface is displayed in full screen mode, then the content visibility is improved, but the accessibility of UI elements for single-handed operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The user interface displayed in the second display area employs a local quality optimized for single-handed operation, with UI elements arranged in an ergonomic layout that places frequently accessed controls within easy reach of the user's thumb or finger. This local optimization allows users to interact with UI elements comfortably while holding the device in one hand, without requiring full-screen conventional layouts.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the keyboard is positioned in the conventional location, then the layout consistency is maintained, but the key accessibility for single-handed operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The keyboard position is made dynamic rather than fixed. When the system detects that the second display area is active, the keyboard automatically repositions to a location optimized for single-handed operation, typically lower on the screen or shifted toward the edge the user is holding. This dynamic repositioning maintains layout consistency within the context of ergonomic mode while significantly improving key accessibility for single-handed use.
Data Source
AI summary
The embodiments herein describe a mode of applications on the portable electronic device that improves single-handed operation of the devices. For example, the embodiments herein describe an ergonomic mode of an application that displays the graphical user interface (GUI) of the application in a bottom area of the display screen of the electronic device to allow the user to more easily interact with objects. The embodiments herein also describe an ergonomic mode of a keyboard displayed on the display screen of the portable electronic device. During the ergonomic mode of the keyboard, the keyboard is shifted towards a vertical edge of the display screen to allow a user to more easily reach keys of the keyboard that were previously unreachable without the user switching to two handed operation of the device or repositioning the electronic device in the user's hand.