Menu Item Visual Indicators for Repeatable Actions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face difficulties in identifying which menu items have already been invoked in applications, leading to confusion when repeatedly accessing features like adding search fields or columns, as existing interfaces do not effectively communicate repeatable actions.
Innovation Solution
Introducing visual elements, such as distinctive icons or modifications to the visual representation of menu items, to indicate that an action has been performed, including updating colors or highlighting, to clearly show which actions have been taken.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If visual elements are added to menu items to indicate performed actions, then user interface clarity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies color changes to menu items to indicate their invocation status. Specifically, performed menu items are displayed in a different color (e.g., grayed out or highlighted) compared to unperformed items, providing immediate visual feedback to users about which actions have already been executed without adding complex interface elements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary visual indicator (such as an icon or visual element) that mediates between the menu item and its execution status. This intermediary element serves as a clear signal to users about the invocation state of repeatable actions, improving information communication while maintaining a relatively simple interface structure
2Adaptability or versatility
If menu items display all available actions, then adaptability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to user confusion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating the visual appearance of menu items based on their invocation status. Individual menu items that have been performed are visually distinguished (e.g., through icons, color changes, or styling) from those that haven't been performed, allowing users to quickly identify which actions are available versus which have already been executed, thereby improving ease of navigation while maintaining full menu functionality
Data Source
AI summary
In various embodiments, one or more visual elements are introduced with menu item that indicate that action on this item has already been performed at least once. In various aspects, a distinctive icon can be placed with a menu item to indicate that a search field has been previously added to a search form, that a column has been added to a report, or that existing data or queries under construction have been modified by the action on an indicated item.