Keyboard Navigation in Unstructured UI via Quadrant Segmentation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Keyboard-based navigation is not feasible in unstructured user interface environments where UI objects are not arranged in a grid-like pattern, making it difficult for users to select specific objects without resorting to a mouse.
Innovation Solution
The method involves dividing the area around a selected object into quadrants and segments, allowing users to navigate using directional keys by identifying and selecting objects within these defined areas, even in environments with scattered or non-sequential UI objects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If keyboard navigation is used in unstructured UI environments, then keyboard-based operation is enabled, but navigation becomes complex and inefficient due to scattered UI objects
Solution Approach 1:
The unstructured UI area is segmented into multiple zones (e.g., quadrants or radial sectors) radiating from a central reference point. This segmentation allows keyboard navigation to systematically cover scattered UI objects by dividing the navigation space into manageable regions, making navigation feasible in unstructured environments while maintaining keyboard operation capability
2Adaptability or versatility
If mouse is used for navigation in unstructured environments, then navigation versatility is improved, but keyboard-based operation is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The navigation system is designed to be universal by supporting both mouse and keyboard interaction modes. The same underlying zone-based navigation logic works with both input devices, allowing users to switch between mouse and keyboard based on their preference or situation, thus achieving multi-functionality and adaptability
3Ease of operation
If directional keys are used to navigate scattered UI objects, then keyboard navigation is attempted, but navigation efficiency decreases compared to grid environments
Solution Approach 1:
An intermediary zone structure is introduced between the keyboard input and the scattered UI objects. The zones act as intermediate targets that organize the navigation path, allowing directional keys to efficiently navigate through defined regions rather than directly targeting scattered objects, thereby improving navigation efficiency while maintaining keyboard operation
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments of systems and methods for keyboard-based navigation of a user interface are described herein. An area around a first object displayed on a user interface is divided into quadrants and one or more segments for at least one of the quadrants. The user interface includes a plurality of objects and the quadrants represent directions with respect to the first object. In response to a key stroke indicating a first direction, a first one of the quadrants corresponding to the first direction is identified. The segments of the first quadrant are scanned to identify a second object that is closest to the first object in the first quadrant. The second object is then selected.