Version-Based User Interface Guidance for Relocated Features

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users struggle to quickly find new features in rapidly updated graphical user interfaces due to inefficient pop-up guidance, leading to suboptimal user experience.

Innovation Solution

A system and method that generates instructions for user interface changes by transitioning between old and new versions, using tools like toasts and tooltips to guide users to the new locations of interface elements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If pop-up guidance is used to guide users through interface changes, then users can receive guidance information, but the guidance is inefficient and does not help users quickly find new features

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser guidance efficiencyVSAvoidtime to find new features
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by automatically detecting interface element relocations between versions and pre-generating migration instructions before the user needs them. The migration detector analyzes the difference between the current interface version and the target version, identifying relocated elements and preparing guided transitions in advance, so when the user encounters confusion, the solution is already ready to be presented.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where users can indicate confusion about interface elements, and the system responds by presenting migration instructions specifically tailored to that confusion point. The feedback loop continues as users interact with the guidance, allowing the system to adapt the migration path based on user responses and identify patterns in user confusion to improve future guidance generation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Adaptability or versatility

If the user interface is rapidly updated with new features, then the application remains current and functional, but users struggle to quickly find and adapt to new features

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinterface update capabilityVSAvoiduser adaptation to changes
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The migration detector performs preliminary analysis of interface changes between versions, automatically identifying relocated elements and generating migration instructions before the user needs to adapt to the changes. This pre-computation of migration paths allows the system to prepare guidance materials in advance, reducing the cognitive load on users during actual adaptation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces migration instructions as an intermediary layer between the updated interface and the user. These instructions act as a mediator that translates the changes in the interface into actionable guidance, helping users understand and adapt to the new layout without having to relearn the entire interface from scratch.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If interface elements are relocated in updated versions, then the user interface can be optimized and updated, but users experience confusion about where elements have moved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinterface update efficiencyVSAvoiduser awareness of element location changes
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where users can indicate confusion about interface elements, and the system responds by presenting migration instructions specifically tailored to that confusion point. The feedback loop continues as users interact with the guidance, allowing the system to adapt the migration path based on user responses and identify patterns in user confusion to improve future guidance generation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses visual differentiation through color changes or highlighting to indicate relocated interface elements. By changing the visual appearance of elements that have moved between versions, the system creates an immediate visual cue that draws user attention to the changes, making the relocation information salient and reducing user confusion about element locations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

Data Source

PatentUS20250284507A1Generating instructions for user interface changes based on version updates
Publication Date: 2025.09.11 INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINE CORPORATION
  • US20250284507A1 patent drawing
  • US20250284507A1 patent drawing
  • US20250284507A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A method, computer program product, and computer system are provided for generating instructions for user interface changes based on version updates. First data corresponding to a first input by a user on a first version of a user interface is received. An interface element on a second version of the user interface corresponding to the first input is identified. The second version of the user interface corresponds to an older version of the user interface than the first version. The second version of the user interface and the interface element are displayed to the user. Second data corresponding to a second input by the user on the displayed second version of the user interface is received. The first version of the user interface and a toast or tooltip corresponding to a new location of the interface element within the first version of the user interface are displayed to the user.