Multi-Column Data Sorting Interface with Priority Icon Wells
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current data table applications only allow sorting by a single column or row at a time, limiting users' ability to refine data displays by multiple criteria simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for multiple column/row data sorting, featuring a user interface with a sort icon well that allows users to designate and prioritize sorting across multiple columns or rows using draggable icons, enabling progressive refinement of data displays.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If single column sorting is implemented, then the user interface is simple and easy to operate, but the ability to sort by multiple columns simultaneously is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The user interface is segmented into multiple independent sort icon wells, each responsible for a specific column. Each icon well contains sort icons that can be independently activated, allowing users to sort by multiple columns simultaneously without interface confusion. This segmentation enables multi-column sorting while keeping each individual sort control simple and intuitive.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple columns can be sorted simultaneously, then data refinement capability is improved, but the user interface becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses identical sort icons (e.g., ascending arrow, descending arrow) replicated across multiple column headers. These copies of the same visual element provide consistent, intuitive feedback across all columns. Users recognize the same visual language throughout the interface, making multi-column sorting intuitive rather than complex, as each column's sort behavior follows the same predictable pattern.
3Measurement precision
If sort priority can be designated for multiple columns, then data display precision is improved, but the operation process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-establishes a hierarchical sort structure where columns are automatically ordered by priority levels (primary sort, secondary sort, tertiary sort). Users can activate multiple sort icons simultaneously, and the system automatically manages the sort hierarchy based on the visual arrangement or activation sequence. This preliminary structuring of sort priorities eliminates the need for complex manual configuration while maintaining precise multi-level data sorting.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for multiple column/row data sorting includes a process for multiple column/row data sorting whereby a user is provided with a simple and visually intuitive interface for prioritizing the progressive sorting of data displayed in data tables by multiple columns or rows.