Extensible Master-Slave User Interface for Navigation Context
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional user interfaces lack context on navigation history and do not provide an easy way for users to return to previous states, as they typically refresh the entire page upon selection, hiding the previous page and requiring users to rely on meta navigation for context.
Innovation Solution
An extensible master-slave user interface with distinct interaction models is introduced, featuring a master region displaying a previous state in a minimalist view and a slave region displaying the current state, where the user can select items to progress linearly, with a breadcrumb trail for navigation and a 'back' button for step-by-step reversal, and the content transitions between regions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If the entire page is refreshed when a user selects an item, then the display presents an updated view, but the user loses context regarding where they came from and what selection triggered the update
Solution Approach 1:
The user interface is segmented into a master region and a slave region. The master region maintains a persistent view of the previous state while the slave region displays the current state, allowing users to see both the updated content and the navigation context simultaneously without requiring a full page refresh.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a spatial dimension to navigation context by displaying the previous state in a separate master region rather than replacing it. This creates a two-region layout where users can view both the current and previous states side-by-side, preserving navigation context without sacrificing update efficiency.
2Ease of operation
If the previous page is replaced with a new page, then the display shows current content, but the user has no easy way to return to the previous state in a step-by-step manner
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of providing a separate back button or navigation control, the patent inverts the approach by making the previous state continuously visible in the master region. Users can see the previous state at all times and navigate back by switching which region displays which content, eliminating the need for additional navigation controls.
Solution Approach 2:
The master-slave region structure provides self-service navigation where the interface automatically maintains both previous and current states in separate regions. The navigation context is preserved and accessible without requiring users to manipulate additional controls or remember their location, as the system continuously displays both states.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a page includes different states or layouts based on context, then the interface adapts to the current view, but the user loses visibility of the previous state's layout and content
Solution Approach 1:
The display is segmented into two independent regions: the master region that maintains the previous state's layout and content, and the slave region that adapts to display the current state. This segmentation allows each region to serve its specific function - the slave region adapts to the current context while the master region preserves the previous context for reference.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, computer system and computer readable medium regarding an extensible master-slave user interface with distinct interaction models is presented. A slave region is displayed in a Graphical User Interface (GUI), the slave region displaying a current state. A master region is displayed in the GUI, the master region displaying a previous state. When a user selects content in the slave region then the master region is removed from the GUI, a new master region is displayed in the GUI, the new master region containing a view of contents of the slave region, the slave region is removed from the GUI and the content selected by the user is displayed in a new slave region in the GUI.