Focused Navigation Cards for TV Program Selection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
User interfaces for modern information systems, such as PCs and ITV systems, are inefficient due to the need for users to scan through numerous options, often requiring time-consuming navigation through identical or similarly named icons, making it difficult to effectively operate these systems.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for focused navigation using 'cards' that are displayed successively in a central area of the GUI, allowing users to quickly browse through options by pressing buttons or using gestures, with cards being large enough for recognition from a distance and capable of dynamic updating and selection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If users scan through numerous icons and labels individually, then they can examine all options, but the navigation process becomes time-consuming and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The interface is segmented into a focused display area showing a subset of options at a time, with navigation controls to move between segments. This allows users to examine options in manageable portions rather than scanning everything at once, reducing navigation time while maintaining identification accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
Options are pre-organized into structured sequences or groups that can be navigated systematically. The system prepares the interface state in advance by arranging options in a predictable manner, allowing users to move through options more efficiently without having to search or scan individually.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the interface displays all available options simultaneously, then users have access to all choices, but the complexity of the interface increases and becomes difficult to navigate
Solution Approach 1:
The full set of options is divided into multiple display pages or panels, each showing a manageable subset of options. Navigation controls allow users to move between segments, providing access to all options while keeping each individual view simple and easy to navigate.
Solution Approach 2:
The interface transitions from a two-dimensional grid of all options to a multi-dimensional navigation structure where users can move through options using directional controls. This adds a temporal and spatial dimension to navigation, allowing comprehensive option access without overwhelming interface complexity.
3Ease of operation
If identical icons are used for similar options, then the interface appears consistent and simple, but users must read text labels to distinguish between options
Solution Approach 1:
While maintaining consistent icon styles for visual uniformity, the system adds localized distinguishing features such as colored highlights, numbered badges, or subtle visual variations that allow users to differentiate between identical-looking options without requiring text label reading. This preserves interface simplicity while reducing differentiation time.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for navigation of television program listings within a user interface includes successively displaying a first set of visual cards in a first area of the user interface. Each visual card of the first set of visual cards represents a corresponding broadcast time slot associated with a graphically represented first card characteristic. Selection by a user of a particular visual card of the first set of visual cards is enabled in order to view a television program corresponding to the time slot represented by the selected visual card. In an embodiment, a transition from display of a first visual card of the first set of visual cards to display of a second visual card of the first set of visual cards occurs automatically at the conclusion of a first time period.