Application Workflow Framework Single Interface State Management
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile devices with limited display areas face challenges in workflow navigation due to user confusion and frustration from the presentation of information across multiple pages, leading to interruptions and dissatisfaction in completing tasks.
Innovation Solution
An application workflow framework that utilizes interface elements with defined states (pre-active, active, and post-active) displayed within a single interface area, focusing user attention on active tasks and allowing seamless progression without page transitions, enabling users to modify previous tasks without re-entering information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If multiple pages are presented to implement workflow steps, then the workflow can be completed with sufficient information display, but user confusion and distraction increase leading to workflow interruption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple workflow pages into a single integrated interface display area. Interface elements representing different workflow steps are consolidated and displayed together, allowing users to view and interact with multiple workflow stages simultaneously without navigating between separate pages. This eliminates the confusion of page transitions while maintaining complete information availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the workflow into distinct interface elements, each representing a specific workflow step or data entry point. These segmented interface elements are displayed within the single interface area, allowing users to focus on one element at a time while having access to the complete workflow context. The segmentation enables clear organization of information without requiring multiple pages.
2Adaptability or versatility
If users need to change previous data entries, then workflow flexibility is improved, but navigation complexity increases requiring users to go back through various pages
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the navigation structure into a single interface display area where all workflow steps are visible simultaneously. Users can directly access and modify any previous data entry point without navigating back through sequential pages. The unified interface provides direct access to all interface elements regardless of their position in the workflow sequence, simplifying the navigation structure while maintaining full editability.
3Loss of information
If information is displayed across multiple pages, then complete data presentation is achieved, but user attention is分散ed leading to re-entry of previously provided information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges all workflow information into a single interface display area, eliminating the need to navigate between pages. Previously provided information remains accessible and visible throughout the workflow, allowing users to reference it without re-entering data. The unified interface maintains complete data presentation while preventing time loss from repetition.
4Ease of operation
If a single interface area is used for all workflow steps, then user focus is maintained and navigation is simplified, but the interface must accommodate more information density
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the interface into distinct interface elements, each representing a specific workflow step. These segmented elements are displayed within the single interface area, allowing the system to accommodate high information density through organized segmentation rather than cluttered monolithic display. Each segment can be independently interacted with while maintaining overall interface coherence.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to utilizing an application workflow framework to manage workflow on an application executing on a computing device. An illustrative workflow routine can include multiple tasks than need to be completed in order to complete the workflow routine. Accordingly, a workflow framework has a workflow definition that that matches the specific workflow routine. Each of the specific tasks defined in the workflow routine can be represented by a number of interface elements within the application. At least some of the interface elements can have a number of states of execution defined by the workflow definition and having different content and display attributes. In one embodiment, the states of execution can include a pre-active state, an active state, and a post-active state.