XML-Based UI Guideline Enforcement System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inconsistencies in user interface element settings can cause confusion and frustration for users, as existing software programs lack a systematic approach to defining and enforcing guidelines for the placement and inclusion of interface elements.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method and system that receives user interface guidelines through an editor graphical user interface, generates XML data based on these guidelines, presents a prototyping interface with options for user interface elements, and generates XML prototype data from user input settings, ensuring consistency and adherence to predefined rules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If user interface element settings are defined without a systematic approach, then flexibility in interface design is improved, but consistency and user experience deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by transforming user interface guidelines into structured XML data with specific parameters and constraints. This allows the system to maintain flexibility in design while ensuring consistency through enforced parameter rules, directly resolving the contradiction between design freedom and interface uniformity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary XML data structure that acts as a mediator between design flexibility and consistency requirements. This intermediary layer captures interface element settings with predefined parameters and constraints, enabling both adaptable design and consistent enforcement without direct conflict.
2Reliability
If user interface guidelines are enforced systematically, then interface consistency is improved, but development complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the system to automatically generate, validate, and enforce interface consistency rules through XML data structures. This automation reduces the need for manual intervention and complex development processes while maintaining systematic guideline enforcement, thereby improving consistency without proportionally increasing complexity.
3Ease of repair
If interface element settings are separated from application functionality, then maintainability is improved, but system integration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by separating interface element settings into distinct XML data structures that are independent from application functionality. This segmentation improves maintainability by allowing interface changes without affecting core application logic, while the standardized XML format manages integration complexity through consistent data structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universality by creating a general-purpose XML data structure that can represent various interface element settings across different applications. This universal format simplifies integration by providing a common interface for diverse functionality, reducing the complexity that would otherwise arise from custom integration solutions.
Data Source
AI summary
Various example embodiments are disclosed. According to an example embodiment, a computer-implemented method may include receiving user interface guidelines via an editor graphical user interface, generating extensible-markup language (XML) guideline data based on the received user interface guidelines, presenting a prototyping graphical user interface with user interface element options based on the XML guideline data, receiving prototype user interface element settings via the prototyping graphical user interface, and generating XML prototype data based on the prototype user interface element settings.