Inventions on GUI Aesthetics

Author: Umakant Mishra

Abstract:

Aesthetics or “look and feel” is one of the most important features of any graphical user interface. Better aesthetics makes the interface user-friendlier and more popular. Better aesthetics helps the user to understand the meaning of various components and memorize the navigation paths. A better look and feel ultimately makes a GUI more efficient and effective. Various methods are adopted to improve the aesthetics of a GUI, such as, by using colors, using 3D graphics, using pictorial icons, using sound etc.

It is important to provide links to all the important features on a desktop or on a quick access panel. But too many icons or buttons sometimes creates confusion. Hence it is important to restrict the temptation of putting everything on the first screen or load the rarely used buttons on the toolbar. One should ensure that the aesthetics of a GUI is not compromising with its accessibility and other important features. This article illustrates some inventions made on GUI aesthetics.

Keywords: TRIZ, Software Inventions, Graphical User Interface, Software inventions, Software Patents, Inventive Problem Solving, GUI, color selection, GUI colors, look and feel, GUI aesthetics, 3D display, pictorial icons, computer graphics

Umakant Mishra, Inventions on GUI Aesthetics (September 7, 2007). Available at SSRN: http://ssrn.com/abstract=1264690 

http://papers.ssrn.com/abstract=1264690

http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.1264690

http://works.bepress.com/umakant_mishra/32

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/228296347_Inventions_on_GUI_Aesthetics?ev=srch_pub

Inventions on Using Colors in Graphical User Interfaces

Author: Umakant Mishra

Abstract:

Color is an important aspect of any graphical user interface (GUI). Color is used to make a GUI attractive and meaningful. But there are difficulties in using colors too. Improper use of color can result in adverse effects. Wrong colors at wrong place can make the GUI look clumsy and confusing. Apart from the aesthetics issues there are many other issues involved with colors too.

           

One of the contradictions relating to usage of color is “The color of the GUI should be customizable to suit user preference. But at the same time it should not be customizable, as that would cause annoyance and confusion to other users.”

Another contraction relating to using color is “The user should be displayed all 16 million colors to select the desired color precisely, But from another angle the user should not be displayed all 16 million colors as that would create confusion and difficulty in selection.”

This article analyses some inventions selected from US Patent database and illustrates how the inventors have been able to solve various contradictions relating to usage of colors in Graphical User Interface.

Keywords: TRIZ, Software Inventions, Graphical User Interface, Software inventions, Software Patents, Inventive Problem Solving, GUI, color palette, color box, color selection, GUI colors, GUI aesthetics, computer graphics, look and feel

Umakant Mishra, Inventions on Color Selections in Graphical User Interfaces (September 7, 2007). Available at SSRN: http://ssrn.com/abstract=1264689

http://papers.ssrn.com/abstract=1264689

http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.1264689

http://works.bepress.com/umakant_mishra/31

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/228296340_Inventions_on_Color_Selections_in_Graphical_User_Interfaces?ev=srch_pub

Inventions on using Sound and Speech in GUI

Author: Umakant Mishra

Abstract:

Voice Recognition (VR) facilitates human interaction with a machine. VR may be used to replace the manual task of pushing buttons on a wireless telephone keypad. This is particularly useful when the hands of the user are busy with other activities like driving a car.

However, the VRS system has several limitations. The VRS requires lot of training and customization in order to be effectively used by individual users as each individual falls into different voice patterns. Besides the voice interface is complex and is not as reliable as the keyboard or mouse. This article illustrates some interesting inventions on using sound and voice in Graphical User Interfaces.

Keywords: TRIZ, Software Inventions, Graphical User Interface, Software inventions, Software Patents, Inventive Problem Solving, GUI, Speech enable, voice enabled, Voice recognition system, voice pattern, Voice interface, VRS,

Umakant Mishra, Inventions on Using Sound and Speech in GUI (September 7, 2007). Available at SSRN: http://ssrn.com/abstract=1264688 

http://papers.ssrn.com/abstract=1264688

http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.1264688

http://works.bepress.com/umakant_mishra/30

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/254880376_Inventions_on_Using_Sound_and_Speech_in_GUI