Grid Cell Change Indicator for Invisible Data Updates
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Solution Overview
Problem
In large data grids displayed on limited screen devices, such as smartphones, users cannot easily view changes in cells outside the currently displayed sub-grid, leading to unnoticed data changes, especially in spreadsheet or monitoring applications where dependencies and attribute changes may occur without user realization.
Innovation Solution
Displaying an indicator in the closest visible cell within the sub-grid when data in an invisible cell changes, with optional selectable elements to temporarily overlay or scroll the sub-grid to reveal the changed cell, allowing users to track changes and access hidden data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a sub-grid of data is displayed on a limited screen device, then the visible area is optimized for current view, but changes in cells outside the sub-grid cannot be detected by users
Solution Approach 1:
An indicator element is introduced as an intermediary between the invisible changed cell and the user. When data in a cell outside the sub-grid changes, an indicator is displayed in the corresponding visible cell within the sub-grid, serving as a mediator to alert users to the change without requiring them to view the entire grid or the specific changed cell directly.
2Loss of information
If the entire grid is displayed on a limited screen, then all data changes are visible, but the screen real estate is insufficient and usability is degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The grid is segmented into multiple sub-grids that can be displayed on the limited screen. Each sub-grid represents a portion of the overall data grid, allowing users to view different sections by navigating between sub-grids. This segmentation enables the entire grid to be displayed across multiple views while maintaining screen usability.
3Loss of information
If scrolling or overlay mechanisms are added to access hidden cells, then access to changed data is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically monitors for data changes in cells outside the current sub-grid and proactively displays indicators in the corresponding visible cells. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for users to manually scroll, search, or navigate to check for changes, reducing the complexity of user interactions while maintaining complete data visibility.
Data Source
AI summary
A sub-grid of a grid of data is displayed on a display device. The data is organized over cells. The cells within the sub-table are visible on the display device, whereas the cells outside the sub-table are not visible on the display device. In response to the data of a cell outside of the sub-table changing, such that the cell is not visible on the display device, an indicator is displayed in the cell of the sub-table that is visible that is closest within the table to the cell having the data that changed.