Multimode GUI Navigation with Sequential Element Display
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Solution Overview
Problem
Graphical user interfaces (GUIs) often become cluttered and confusing due to the presence of numerous user interface elements, leading to navigation difficulties and increased computational load, which can result in user errors and power consumption.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a multimode GUI that transitions between an unguided mode with multiple user interface elements and a guided mode with only critical elements, where the GUI sequentially displays one user-interactive element at a time, reducing clutter and improving navigation by automatically guiding the user through the interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple user interface elements are displayed concurrently to provide comprehensive navigation options, then the user interface becomes more functional and efficient for informed users, but the interface becomes cluttered and confusing, increasing navigation difficulty
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning the GUI between two operational modes: an unguided mode displaying multiple user interface elements concurrently for functional efficiency, and a guided mode displaying elements sequentially to reduce clutter. This dynamic switching allows the interface to adapt its complexity based on user needs, resolving the contradiction between providing comprehensive navigation options and maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action through the sequential display of user interface elements in the guided mode, where elements are presented one at a time in a predetermined sequence. This periodic presentation rhythm helps users process information without being overwhelmed by simultaneous options, thereby reducing navigation difficulty while maintaining comprehensive functionality when needed.
2Loss of information
If all user interface elements are rendered on the screen to provide complete information, then the user has full context and options available, but the computational load increases and power consumption rises
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the extraction principle by removing non-critical user interface elements from the display in the guided mode, showing only one element at a time. This extraction reduces the computational load of rendering multiple elements simultaneously and decreases power consumption, while the system maintains the ability to provide complete information context when switching to unguided mode or when elements are queried.
3Productivity
If numerous user interface elements are displayed to support active user navigation, then the interface is functional for users who know what they want, but the interface becomes confusing and increases user errors for uncertain users
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the user interface navigation into distinct phases or segments. In the guided mode, the navigation path is segmented into discrete steps with one user interface element displayed at a time, reducing confusion and input errors. In the unguided mode, full navigation options are available for efficient direct access. This segmentation allows the system to optimize for either reliability or productivity based on user state.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques are described herein for a multimode graphical user interface (GUI), where a first mode of the GUI uses an unguided navigation model and a second mode uses a guided navigation model in which the GUI is distilled down to only its most critical elements. This may be achieved by sequentially displaying a single user interface element and removing all other user-interface elements of the GUI. The second mode of the GUI may lead a user through multiple options one at a time, thus creating a guided navigation model. The second mode may be initiated upon detecting a certain event (e.g., a period of inactivity, an explicit command from the user, etc.). The multimode GUI may be used to guide a user through one or more recommended items of media content from one or more different content-providing sources.