Floating Notification Interface for Faster App Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic devices with applications face inefficiencies in user operation due to the need to switch between applications after receiving notifications, leading to poor user experience.

Innovation Solution

The electronic device displays a floating notification indicating a second application, allowing for simultaneous or split-screen interaction with the currently running application based on screen aspect ratio, using virtual keys or windows, to facilitate quick switching between applications.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the user taps the floating notification to switch to the application interface for receiving the new message, then the user can view the new message, but the user operation efficiency is low and experience is poor due to needing to exit the application interface, enter recent task interface, and tap the application to return

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapplication switching operationVSAvoidtime for returning to application
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system displays a floating notification that preliminarily indicates the second application's presence and status while the first application is running. When the user taps the notification, the system has already prepared the transition state, allowing direct switching to the second application without requiring the user to manually navigate through recent tasks. This preliminary preparation of the switching mechanism reduces the time and steps needed for application transitions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The floating notification acts as an intermediary element between the first application interface and the second application. Instead of directly switching between applications which requires exiting and searching, the notification serves as a mediator that facilitates smooth transitions. When tapped, it triggers the switching mechanism, and when the user wants to return, the system provides another notification or indicator to facilitate the reverse transition, eliminating the need to use the recent task interface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Speed

If the electronic device displays a floating notification for the second application, then the user can quickly switch between applications, but the currently running application interface may be obscured or interrupted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapplication switching speedVSAvoidinterruption of application interface display
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The floating notification is displayed in a localized area of the screen rather than occupying the entire interface. It appears as a small indicator or badge showing the second application's presence, allowing the first application's main interface to remain fully visible and functional. This localized display approach enables quick switching information to be conveyed without obscuring or interrupting the currently running application's display area.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of fully switching to the second application or displaying it in a way that blocks the first application, the system uses a partial display approach with a floating notification. This notification provides just enough information about the second application's status to enable quick switching when needed, without excessive display of the second application that would interfere with the first application's interface. The notification is sufficient for its purpose but not excessive to cause harm.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentEP4131911B1Application interface interaction method, electronic device, and computer readable storage medium
Publication Date: 2025.11.26 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP4131911B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4131911B1 patent drawingFigure 2(A)~2(B)
  • EP4131911B1 patent drawingFigure 2(C)~2(D)

AI summary

Embodiments of this application provide an application interface interaction method, an electronic device, and a computer-readable storage medium. The method includes: An electronic device displays a floating notification in an application interface of a first application, where the floating notification is used to indicate information received by a second application during running of the first application. The electronic device detects a touch operation on the floating notification. In response to the touch operation and based on an aspect ratio value of a screen of the electronic device, the electronic device may display the first application or the second application in a floating ball manner, or may display the application interface of the first application and an application interface of the second application in a split-screen manner, or may display the application interface of the second application in the application interface of the first application in a floating window manner. This provides diversified application interface interaction manners, helps a user complete switching between application interfaces of two applications, reduces time for the user to return to a currently running application, and improves user operation efficiency.