Interactive Snippets for Dynamic Search Result Consumption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current search result displays, whether as lists or static snippets, hinder user experience due to the need for individual clicks to access each result and lack of interactivity, making it inefficient to consume search results effectively.
Innovation Solution
A method where search results are displayed as interactive snippets that can be zoomed, panned, and expanded, allowing users to access documents directly from within the snippets while maintaining visibility of other snippets, with gestures like pinch-in, pinch-out, and double taps enabling dynamic content manipulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If search results are displayed as a list, then each result can be accessed individually, but the user experience is poor and requires multiple clicks to review results
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides search results into multiple thumbnail snippets displayed simultaneously in a grid layout, allowing users to view multiple results at once rather than sequentially clicking through a list. Each thumbnail represents a segmented portion of the search results, enabling parallel viewing and faster information consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a one-dimensional list view to a two-dimensional grid layout of thumbnails. This dimensional change allows users to perceive multiple search results simultaneously in spatial arrangement, improving overview capability and reducing the time needed to scan through results.
2Adaptability or versatility
If search results are displayed as static snippets, then multiple results can be viewed simultaneously, but the snippets lack interactivity and user engagement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms static thumbnail snippets into dynamic, interactive elements that respond to user gestures. Users can pinch to zoom, swipe to pan, and tap to select, making the snippets adaptable to different viewing needs. This dynamic behavior maintains visual overview while enabling deep inspection when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The thumbnail snippets serve multiple functions: they provide visual overview, enable gesture-based navigation, support zooming for detailed inspection, and allow selection for full viewing. This multi-functionality replaces the need for separate interactive mechanisms while enhancing user engagement.
3Loss of information
If users can access full document from within a snippet, then detailed information is available, but other snippets become invisible and context is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested display structure where the full document view is embedded within the context of the thumbnail grid. When a user accesses a document from a thumbnail, the document opens in an overlay or expanded view that maintains awareness of the surrounding thumbnails, allowing easy return to the overview context.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary display state between the thumbnail overview and full document view. This intermediate state allows users to inspect content in greater detail while maintaining visibility of other thumbnails, serving as a mediator that preserves context during detailed examination.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for consuming content via snippets is provided. In one embodiment, a search query for searching an attribute within a document is received by an electronic device. In another embodiment, a search query for searching an attribute in a number of documents is received by an electronic device. A number of search results matching the attribute are displayed in a number of snippets. An input to access the document from within a first snippet is received. Access is provided to the document from within the first snippet while displaying at least one snippet other than the first snippet. The size of the snippets may vary based on number of results included in each snippet. A system for substantially performing the method as described herein is also provided.