Icon List Segmentation for Quick User Profile Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current mobile devices require users to scroll through a lengthy list of application icons to access the user profile application, leading to potential embarrassment from notifications before settings can be changed, as the user profile application is not frequently accessed and needs quick access.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that allow quick access to the user profile application by providing a main application icon list and a subsidiary icon list on the home screen, enabling navigation between lists using different axes, allowing emphasis to shift from the main list to a default icon in the subsidiary list for rapid access and return.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the user profile application is placed in a scrollable list of application icons, then the device can organize applications systematically, but the user cannot access the user profile application quickly enough to avoid embarrassing notifications

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveAccess speed to user profile applicationVSAvoidTime to scroll through application list
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The application icon list is segmented into a main list (for frequently accessed applications) and a secondary list (for less frequently accessed applications including user profile). This segmentation allows the user profile application to be placed in the secondary list, which can be quickly accessed through a specific navigation path without requiring the user to scroll through the entire main list.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The navigation interface is extended from a single linear scrollable list to a two-dimensional navigation space with a main list and a secondary list accessible through lateral movement. This dimensional extension allows users to navigate to the user profile application through a different path (moving laterally to the secondary list) rather than scrolling vertically through the entire main list, significantly reducing access time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the user profile application is placed in a scrollable list of application icons, then all applications can be accessed through a unified interface, but the navigation becomes complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveUnified access interface for all applicationsVSAvoidNavigation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The unified application list is segmented into multiple organized groups (main list and secondary list). This segmentation maintains the unified interface concept while reducing navigation complexity by allowing users to access different application groups through simple, distinct navigation paths rather than scrolling through a single long list.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The interface is designed with preliminary organization of applications into logical groups before the user needs to access them. The user profile application is pre-positioned in the secondary list, and the navigation structure is pre-configured to allow quick access to this secondary list, eliminating the need for complex real-time navigation decisions during urgent situations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP1956473B1System and method for accessing an icon of a handheld electronic device
Publication Date: 2009.04.15 BLACKBERRY LTD
  • EP1956473B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1956473B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP1956473B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The described embodiments relate generally to methods, systems and devices for accessing an icon on a display by shifting emphasis from one icon list to another icon list on the display. The icon may be a user profile application icon that can be used to access a user profile application.