Photo Product Customization Interface With Single-Page Auto Layout

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The process of designing photo products is time-consuming and inefficient, requiring numerous iterative steps and multiple page adjustments, especially with the advancement of consumer electronic devices, where users need a more convenient and time-efficient method to personalize photo products.

Innovation Solution

A system and method utilizing an intelligent product design engine that allows users to customize photo products with minimal intuitive user inputs by employing semi-manual and semi-automatic tools, enabling users to change product features like style, layout, and type through high-level commands, and automatically selecting design elements based on user preferences.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If traditional manual design methods are used, then users have full control over design details, but the design process becomes time-consuming and inefficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedesign speedVSAvoiduser effort
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system pre-configures multiple complete design templates and layouts that users can instantly apply. These pre-prepared designs eliminate the need for users to manually create layouts from scratch, significantly reducing design time while maintaining user control through template selection and customization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

An intelligent design engine acts as an intermediary between user preferences and final design generation. The engine automatically translates high-level user inputs (such as selected templates or preferences) into complete, detailed design configurations, reducing the manual work required while ensuring design quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple iterative design steps are implemented, then design quality and customization can be improved, but the time required for design increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedesign customizationVSAvoiddesign time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple complete design variations and templates are pre-prepared in advance. Users can instantly switch between different design styles, layouts, and configurations by selecting from pre-configured options, eliminating the need for time-consuming iterative creation while maintaining high customization capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides dynamic design adjustment capabilities where users can easily modify key design parameters (such as layout, style, and content arrangement) through intuitive controls. This allows real-time customization without requiring multiple separate design iterations, as changes are applied dynamically to the selected template.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Manufacturing precision

If detailed manual control over design elements is provided, then design precision is maintained, but the complexity of the user interface increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedesign precisionVSAvoidinterface complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The design customization process is segmented into distinct, manageable components such as template selection, preference settings, and optional adjustments. Each component can be controlled independently through simplified interfaces, maintaining design precision while reducing overall interface complexity by breaking down complex tasks into manageable steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The intelligent design engine performs automatic configuration and optimization of design elements based on user preferences and selected templates. This self-service capability maintains high design precision through automated algorithms while presenting users with simple, intuitive controls, thereby reducing interface complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Productivity

If automated design tools are introduced, then design efficiency is improved, but user control over specific design details may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedesign efficiencyVSAvoiduser control
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides dynamic control mechanisms that allow users to adjust key design parameters in real-time while the automated engine handles routine configuration tasks. Users can modify layouts, styles, and content arrangements through intuitive controls, maintaining full creative control while benefiting from automated efficiency improvements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The intelligent design engine provides continuous feedback to users by automatically generating design variations based on user preferences and allowing users to review and adjust outcomes. This feedback loop ensures that automated tools enhance rather than replace user control, as users can immediately see the results of their inputs and make real-time adjustments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS12475495B2System and method for customizing photo product designs with minimal and intuitive user inputs
Publication Date: 2025.11.18 SHUTTERFLY LLC
  • US12475495B2 patent drawing
  • US12475495B2 patent drawing
  • US12475495B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A photo product design customization system for customizing a photo product design with minimal and intuitive user inputs includes a product design module that displays a photo product design in a main design panel, a user input detection unit that can detect a first directional movement from a first dynamic object in a product type selection panel to the main design panel, or a second directional movement from a second dynamic object in a product style selection panel to the main design panel, or a third directional movement from a third dynamic object in a product style selection panel to the main design panel, and an intelligent product design creation engine that can automatically change the photo product design in the main design panel in response to detection of the first, the second, or the third directional movement.