Hub-and-Spoke Web Interface for Non-Linear Collaboration
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current website navigation methods are linear, limiting users' ability to multitask and collaborate non-linearly, and require switching between applications and secure/ non-secure information access, leading to cluttered interfaces and increased memory demands.
Innovation Solution
A server-based application using a hub-and-spoke navigation system allows multiple users to interact with a single webpage, incorporating various applications and formats within a single page, enabling non-linear navigation and collaboration through a web-based interface, with features like multi-format viewing, email, and file management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If linear navigation approach is used, then website structure is simple and secure information access is controlled, but user multitasking capability is limited and navigation efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The website interface is segmented into multiple independent panes (secure information pane, non-secure information pane, communication pane) that can be accessed simultaneously. Each pane represents a separate functional area, allowing users to multitask across different information types without leaving the main interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The navigation system transitions from traditional linear one-dimensional navigation to a two-dimensional hub-and-spoke model. The hub provides central access points while spokes radiate to different information areas, enabling simultaneous access to multiple panes through radial navigation rather than sequential linear progression.
2Ease of operation
If multiple applications are opened separately, then each application can function independently, but interface clutter increases and memory resources are consumed
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functional applications are merged into a single integrated webpage interface. The secure information viewer, non-secure information viewer, and communication tools are combined in one pane structure, allowing users to access multiple functions simultaneously without opening separate application windows.
Solution Approach 2:
The single webpage interface serves multiple functions simultaneously - it acts as a secure document viewer, non-secure document viewer, and communication platform all in one location. This universal interface eliminates the need for users to switch between separate applications for different tasks.
3Productivity
If users switch between applications to access different information, then information access is comprehensive, but time is lost and productivity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The interface is pre-configured with multiple panes open and ready for simultaneous access. Secure and non-secure information panes are prepared in advance within the same webpage, allowing users to immediately access different information types without time-consuming application switching.
Solution Approach 2:
Users can continuously access multiple information sources simultaneously through the multi-pane interface rather than sequentially switching between applications. The hub-and-spoke navigation maintains continuous access to all panes through radial movement, eliminating interruptions in productive information gathering activities.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention is a method and system for hub-and-spoke website browsing and navigation on a multipaned platform for the communication, distribution and collaboration of information and data. The invention allows multiple non-collocated users to collaborate on an interface created by a server-based application by utilizing a plurality of application spokes and a plurality of application fasteners to facilitate data exchange between a hub and at least one viewing pane on a display device.