Standardized Schema for Website Map Hierarchy Navigation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users face difficulties in navigating and getting familiar with new websites due to varying navigation methods across different sites, leading to an unpredictable and less usable experience.

Innovation Solution

A standardized schema is introduced for site developers to define a site map and its hierarchy, accompanied by a user interface within web browsers that allows users to specify locations for viewing the site map, enhancing navigation predictability and usability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If websites use different navigation methods (flash navigation, vertical navigation, horizontal navigation, top navigation, bottom navigation), then each website can have its own unique navigation style, but users face difficulty in getting their bearings and navigating across multiple disparate websites

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenavigation style varietyVSAvoiduser navigation experience

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a universal navigation schema that can be applied across multiple websites, allowing a single standardized interface to serve the navigation function for diverse web content. This enables users to navigate different websites using a consistent mental model while preserving the ability to access various navigation styles through the standardized interface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of navigation presentation from variable (different styles per website) to standardized (consistent schema across websites). By establishing a common navigation schema with standardized elements and relationships, the system transforms how navigation information is structured and presented, making it predictable and learnable across different websites.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of manufacture

If websites implement custom navigation solutions, then websites can optimize for their specific content and design needs, but users experience unpredictable and less usable navigation across different sites

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewebsite customizationVSAvoidnavigation predictability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent establishes a predetermined navigation schema structure that is defined in advance and applied consistently across websites. This preliminary framework includes standardized elements such as navigation nodes, links, and hierarchical relationships, ensuring that navigation behavior is predictable and reliable before users interact with any specific website.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a navigation schema as an intermediary layer between the website's underlying structure and the user interface. This schema acts as a mediator that translates diverse website structures into a consistent navigation presentation, preserving website customization needs while ensuring predictable user experience through standardized navigation patterns.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS8972863B2Standard schema and user interface for website maps

Publication Date: 2015.03.03 MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING LLC

AI summary

Various embodiments provide a standardized schema that can be used by site developers to define a site map and its associated hierarchy. In at least some embodiments, a corresponding user interface can be created within an application such as, for example, a Web browser, to allow the user to specify locations at which they wish to see the site map.