Web Content Arrangement via Drag-and-Drop Preference Inference

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing technologies face challenges in effectively recognizing and implementing user preferences for the placement, position, and usage of digital content on webpages, such as search results pages, which can enhance user experience but are not adequately addressed.

Innovation Solution

A method that allows users to manipulate digital content within a layout area to infer preferences, which are then used to arrange content optimally on subsequent webpages, considering positional, placement, and usage preferences.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If various types of digital content are presented on a webpage to enhance user experience, then the breadth and diversity of content is improved, but the challenge of recognizing and implementing user preferences regarding placement and positioning increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebreadth of digital content typesVSAvoiddifficulty of recognizing user preferences
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The system allows users to self-determine their content preferences by directly manipulating and repositioning digital content items on the webpage interface. Users drag and drop content items to desired positions, and the system automatically captures these positioning choices as preference data without requiring explicit user input or configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements a feedback loop where user manipulations of digital content positions are detected and recorded. The captured preference information is then used to automatically adjust and optimize the arrangement of digital content in subsequent webpage presentations, creating a continuous improvement cycle based on user behavior.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Measurement precision

If user preferences for content placement are manually captured through explicit input, then preference accuracy is improved, but user interaction complexity and time consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepreference recognition accuracyVSAvoiduser interaction simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of requiring users to explicitly state their preferences through forms or surveys, the system lets users naturally express preferences through intuitive drag-and-drop manipulation of content items. The system automatically interprets these physical interactions as preference signals, eliminating the need for complex input mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces complex explicit preference input mechanisms with simple tactile manipulation gestures. Users interact with content items through natural dragging and dropping actions, which are then translated into preference data, substituting complicated input systems with intuitive physical interactions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS9569541B2Evaluating preferences of content on a webpage
Publication Date: 2017.02.14 MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING LLC
  • US9569541B2 patent drawing
  • US9569541B2 patent drawing
  • US9569541B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Systems, methods, and computer storage media having computer-executable instructions embodied thereon that facilitate evaluation of digital content preferences are provided. A user is presented with items of digital content and permitted to manipulate the arrangement of the digital content items in the context of a layout area. Based on the user's manipulation of the digital content items, a user preference regarding an arrangement of digital content, such as a location preference, a position preference, and/or a usage preference, is identified. In embodiments, such a user preference can be utilized to later display digital content to a user in accordance therewith.