Menu Element Relocation Based on Traversal Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Designing web application menus that balance functionality with usability is challenging due to space constraints, complexity, and user interaction requirements, leading to inefficiencies in user navigation.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that track user menu traversal actions to recommend modifications, such as relocating menu elements based on recorded counter values, to optimize menu structure and improve user experience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the menu includes robust functionality with many menu elements, then the application provides comprehensive features to users, but the menu complexity increases and usability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the menu into multiple hierarchical levels or categories, organizing numerous menu elements into structured groups. This allows comprehensive functionality to be maintained while reducing the apparent complexity at any single view level, making the menu more navigable despite having many elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces additional organizational dimensions such as hierarchical levels, categories, or sub-menus to accommodate numerous menu elements. Instead of presenting all elements in a single flat structure, the menu is expanded into multiple dimensions, allowing users to navigate through organized layers rather than being overwhelmed by a single complex list.
2Ease of operation
If the menu elements are made larger for better visibility, then user perception and interaction improve, but the available menu space is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes vertical space by organizing menu elements across multiple hierarchical levels or dropdown sub-menus. This allows individual menu elements to maintain larger, more visible sizes while the overall menu structure extends vertically rather than horizontally, preserving adequate space for each element without reducing the total menu area.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the menu structure is made more complex to provide robust functionality, then comprehensive features are available, but user navigation efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements predictive or intelligent menu organization that anticipates user needs. Frequently accessed menu elements are positioned in more accessible locations or highlighted, and the menu structure is pre-organized based on expected usage patterns. This preliminary arrangement allows comprehensive functionality to be maintained while reducing the actual navigation steps users must take to access needed features.
Data Source
AI summary
In one example of the disclosure, a menu and a plurality of menu elements included within the menu are identified within a software application. A set of menu traversal tracking measures are performed with respect to a target element from the plurality. The set of measures includes, responsive to identifying a user menu traversal action that is not a selection of the target element, incrementing the value of a counter. The set includes, responsive to identifying a user menu traversal action that is a selection of the target element, recording the value of the counter in association with data indicative of the target element. A recommendation to modify a first element among the plurality is generated in consideration of the recorded value.