Gesture-Based Marketplace Listing Comparison Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for comparing product listings from search results in brick-and-mortar and online retailers lack intuitive and comprehensive features, making it difficult for users to assess total costs and features effectively.
Innovation Solution
A network-based system processes search queries and presents selected marketplace listings in a comparison user interface where attributes are arranged vertically and listings can be navigated horizontally via gestures, displaying total cost of ownership, including hidden costs like return and maintenance costs, and allowing users to view only similar or different attributes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If product listings are compared using traditional methods, then users can view product information, but the comparison is not intuitive and comprehensive, making it difficult to assess total costs and features effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The comparison interface segments product information into distinct categories (price, shipping, taxes, fees, total cost) presented in a structured table format. Each cost component is separated and clearly labeled, allowing users to systematically compare individual elements across multiple listings rather than viewing undifferentiated product information.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimensional organization for product comparison by arranging listings horizontally across the screen with attributes vertically aligned. This spatial arrangement transforms the traditional linear or card-based view into a matrix layout that enables simultaneous visual comparison of multiple listings across multiple attributes, adding a comparative dimension to the information presentation.
2Loss of information
If all product attributes are displayed in detail, then comprehensive information is provided, but the interface becomes complex and difficult to navigate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and highlights only the most relevant cost components (price, shipping, taxes, fees) from the complete product information set, presenting them in a focused comparison table. Less critical attributes can be accessed through additional controls or expanded views, allowing the main interface to remain simple while comprehensive information remains available upon demand.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the interface provide different levels of information density. The main comparison table presents summarized key attributes in a simplified format for quick assessment, while detailed product specifications and additional attributes are available through expandable sections or separate product detail pages, allowing users to access comprehensive information only where needed.
3Loss of information
If multiple product listings are displayed simultaneously for comparison, then comprehensive comparison is enabled, but the display becomes cluttered and hard to read
Solution Approach 1:
The comparison table uses asymmetric layout where the first column contains attribute labels that are vertically aligned, while subsequent columns represent different listings with data cells. This asymmetric structure optimizes the display for comparison by aligning corresponding attributes vertically while allowing each listing to occupy its own horizontal space, preventing clutter even when multiple listings are displayed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-organizes and pre-formats product information into a standardized comparison table structure before presentation to the user. Attributes are automatically aligned and formatted consistent across all listings, so users receive ready-to-compare data without needing to manually organize information, reducing cognitive load and improving readability.
Data Source
AI summary
In an example embodiment, a method of presenting marketplace listings is provided. Search parameters are received from a user interface on an electronic device. A search on marketplace listings is then performed using the search parameters, returning marketplace results. The marketplace results are then organized into a plurality of web pages, each web page corresponding to a different marketplace result, with each page organized so that a row on any one of the web pages corresponds to the same type of product attribute as that row on any of the other of the plurality of web pages. Then one of the plurality of web pages is displayed on the electronic device. When a swipe left or swipe right gesture is received, another of the plurality of web pages is displayed.