Multi-Area Interface Layout for Hierarchical Object Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for displaying folders in electronic devices cause a scene jump when navigating between directory levels, making it inconvenient for users to manage objects in a tree-type structure.
Innovation Solution
A method and device for displaying an interface that allows objects of different levels to be expanded within the same interface, avoiding page jumps by using distinct areas for selected and non-selected objects, and their sub-objects, enabling intuitive management of tree-type structured data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional page jumping method is used to navigate between directory levels, then the interface structure is simplified, but the user experience deteriorates due to obvious scene jumps and loss of context
Solution Approach 1:
The display interface is segmented into multiple distinct areas (first area for parent directory objects, second area for sub-objects, third area for other parent objects, fourth area for other category objects). This segmentation allows different types of objects to be displayed simultaneously without confusion, resolving the contradiction by maintaining a complex but organized interface structure that provides continuous context while navigating through directory levels.
2Productivity
If page jumping is implemented when opening folders, then the display method is simple, but the continuity of operation deteriorates causing inconvenient object management
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of navigating through pages sequentially (one-dimensional navigation), the patent displays objects from different directory levels and categories simultaneously in different areas of the same interface (multi-dimensional display). This allows users to access sub-objects while maintaining awareness of parent objects and other categories, eliminating navigation time and improving object management efficiency by providing comprehensive access in a single view.
3Loss of information
If the current display method is used, then the implementation is simple, but the context awareness deteriorates making it hard to track parent-child relationships
Solution Approach 1:
Different areas of the display interface are assigned specific functions with distinct visual characteristics: the first area displays parent directory objects, the second area displays sub-objects, the third area displays other parent objects, and the fourth area displays other category objects. This local differentiation allows users to immediately understand the context and relationships of displayed objects, maintaining high context awareness while using a systematic but manageable display structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for displaying an interface is provided. The method includes displaying an icon of at least one first object in a first area of a display interface, displaying an icon of a second object in a second area of the display interface if the second object exists, the second object and the first object belong to a same level and different categories, wherein if one of the at least one first object is selected, the method further includes: hiding an icon of a first object which is not selected in the first area, displaying an icon of each sub-object of the selected first object in the second area, displaying an icon of a first object in the first area which is not selected in a third area of the display interface and displaying the icon of the second object in a fourth area of the display interface.