Application List Sliding Interface for One-Step App Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

The operation of switching between different application interfaces on a smart terminal is cumbersome, as users often need to click multiple times to navigate between applications, and existing methods that utilize a trigger region still require a click operation after displaying an application list.

Innovation Solution

A method and device that detect a target sliding operation on a terminal, display an application list, and automatically switch to the selected application's interface based on the end position of the sliding operation, allowing for one-step switching by determining the target application through the sliding motion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a trigger region is setup at an edge of the screen to display an application list, then the operation for switching application interfaces is simplified, but the user still has to perform multiple operations (trigger operation + click operation) to switch applications

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation for switching application interfacesVSAvoidtime for switching application interfaces
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by displaying the application list in advance when the user performs a trigger operation on the trigger region. The application list is prepared and shown before the user needs to switch applications, allowing the user to simply click on the target application icon without needing to navigate through multiple menus or perform additional operations. This reduces the time and steps required for application switching.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If the user has to click the HOME button to enter the desktop and then click the application icon to enter the dialog interface, then the application can be accessed, but the operation becomes cumbersome and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation for switching between applicationsVSAvoidoperation steps required
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the application switching function from the traditional home screen navigation path. Instead of requiring users to go through the home screen and click application icons, the system creates a direct access mechanism through the trigger region. When users trigger the region, the application list is displayed directly, allowing users to switch applications without visiting the home screen. This simplifies the operation flow and reduces the number of steps required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the application list is displayed in the current display interface, then the user can switch applications, but the user interface becomes more complex and the display layout changes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapplication switching capabilityVSAvoiduser interface complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the display interface into different functional areas. The trigger region is separated from the main display area, and the application list is displayed as a separate overlay or panel that appears only when needed. This segmentation allows the application switching functionality to be added without fundamentally redesigning the entire user interface. The main display layout remains simple, while the application list provides the necessary switching capability when activated.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3435218B1Method and device for displaying application, and storage medium
Publication Date: 2026.05.06 BEIJING XIAOMI MOBILE SOFTWARE CO LTD
  • EP3435218B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2A
  • EP3435218B1 patent drawingFigure 2B~3A
  • EP3435218B1 patent drawingFigure 3B

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a method and a device for displaying an application, and a storage medium. The method includes detecting a start of a target sliding operation by a user on a terminal; in response to detecting the start of the target sliding operation, displaying an application list on a current display interface of the terminal, the application list including an application identification of at least one application installed on the terminal; acquiring an end position of the target sliding operation on the application list; determining an application indicted by a first application identification displayed at the end position as a target application selected by the user; and displaying an application interface of the target application on the current display interface.