WO2014059485A1

WO2014059485A1 - A user interface for navigating electronic items

Info

Publication number: WO2014059485A1
Application number: PCT/AU2013/001209
Authority: WO
Inventors: Michael Mcgee; George FRENEY; Charbel ZEAITER; Jake RANALLO; Sam ELLIOTT
Original assignee: Booodl Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2012-10-19
Filing date: 2013-10-18
Publication date: 2014-04-24

Abstract

Disclosed herein are a computer-implemented graphical user interface (GUI) for navigating electronic items. The GUI includes a plurality of cards (600), wherein each card (100) is uniquely associated with an electronic item. Each card (100) includes an identifier indicating a position of that card in a three-dimensional space and a launch icon (101) for activating at least one function associated with the associated item. The GUI also includes a plurality of linking means of a markup language, each card being encoded with at least one linking means, wherein the linking means establish associations between pairs of cards.

Description

A USER INTERFACE FOR NAVIGATING ELECTRONIC ITEMS

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to a computer-implemented method and system for navigating electronic items.

Background

A user interface (UI) is a mechanism by which a human user interacts with a machine and may be implemented using one or more software and hardware components. Irrespective of the machine or the input device, the goal of an effective user interface is to allow a user to control and operate a machine in an easy, efficient, intuitive, and consistent manner.

A user interface may include one or more controls to provide inputs to control or influence the manner in which a machine operates. A user interface may also include one or more output devices that indicate how the machine is operating or provide an indication of the task performed by the machine.

Simple mechanical user interfaces are typically based on dials, buttons, levers, switches, and pedals that allow a user to operate one or more functions of a machine. User interfaces for computing devices have included switches, punched cards, keyboards, and visual displays. A user may utilise one more input devices to provide inputs to a computing devices. Such input devices may include, for example, a keyboard, alphanumeric keypad, scratchpad, stylus, computer mouse, camera, microphone, and a touchscreen. User interfaces for computing devices have evolved from text-based interfaces to graphics-based interfaces, with visual displays presenting icons available to be manipulated by a user.

Output devices used in user interfaces for computing devices include visual and audible warning devices, such as lights and speakers, visual displays, and printouts. Modern graphics capabilities enable visual displays to be customised for a particular application or to suit preferences of a user. Consequently, visual displays are used to display graphs, gauges, dials, and the like.

Computing devices are used for many purposes, including the creation, storage, and modification of electronic files, execution of software applications, and communication with other devices over communication networks. Electronic files are associated with a file format and may relate to text, data, spreadsheets, word processing, publishing, images, audio, video, email, web pages, and the like. Structures such as folders and workbooks may be utilised to manage one or more electronic files.

A common paradigm used to manage electronic files is based on a two-dimensional hierarchical structure of files and folders and is sometimes called the "paper paradigm". One or more files may be nested within a folder, with a lowest level of any branch of the hierarchical structure being occupied by one or more files or an empty folder. This paradigm replicates the traditional management of paper-based files, which are typically stored as individual files or in demarcated filing cabinets. Thus, a computer folder corresponds to a drawer of a traditional filing cabinet. Labelling files and folders enables a computer system and a user of that computer system to identify, sort, and manage those files and folders.

Graphical user interfaces (GUIs) may utilise a desktop metaphor, wherein a portion of a visual display is presented as a two-dimensional desktop. Various objects, such as files, folders, and icons corresponding to applications, can be placed on the desktop for access by a user. A user is able to manipulate objects on the desktop by arranging the objects in a desired layout, opening a document or folder, or executing an application. The desktop may be supplemented with various applications, such as calculators and notepads. The desktop may be enhanced by the use of menus and taskbars, which can be used to launch and monitor applications.

The two-dimensional hierarchical structure and desktop metaphor provide limited connectivity among files and folders.

Thus, a need exists to provide an improved method and system for navigating electronic items.

Summary

The present disclosure relates to a computer-implemented graphical user interface for navigating electronic items.

In a first aspect, the present disclosure provides a computer-implemented graphical user interface for navigating electronic items, comprising:

a plurality of cards, wherein each card is uniquely associated with an electronic item, each card including: an identifier indicating a position of that card in a three-dimensional space, and a launch icon for activating at least one function associated with said associated item; and a plurality of linking means of a markup language, each card being encoded with at least one linking means, said linking means establishing associations between pairs of cards.

In a second aspect, the present disclosure provides a computer readable storage medium having recorded thereon a computer program for directing a processor to execute a method of displaying a graphical user interface for navigating electronic items, said computer program comprising code for performing the steps of:

storing a plurality of cards, wherein each card is uniquely associated with an electronic item, each card including: an identifier indicating a position of that card in a

three-dimensional space, and a launch icon for activating at least one function associated 'with said associated item; and

encoding each card with at least one linking means of a markup language, said linking means establishing associations between pairs of cards.

In a third aspect, the present disclosure provides system for implementing a graphical user interface for navigating electronic items, said system comprising:

a memory for storing data and a computer program;

a processor coupled to said memory for executing said computer program stored in said memory;

a storage application forming part of said computer program, said storage application including instructions for performing the method steps of:

storing a plurality of cards, wherein each card is uniquely associated with an electronic item, each card including: an identifier indicating a position of that card in a three-dimensional space, and a launch icon for activating at least one function associated with said associated item; and

According to another aspect, the present disclosure provides an apparatus for implementing any one of the aforementioned methods.

According to another aspect, the present disclosure provides a computer program product including a computer readable medium having recorded thereon a computer program for implementing any one of the methods described above.

Other aspects of the invention are also disclosed. Brief Description of the Drawings

One or more embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described by way of specific example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of an obverse face of a card in a card-based graphical user interface;

Fig. 2 is a schematic representation of a reverse face of a card in a card-based graphical user interface;

Fig. 3 is a schematic representation of a card in a card-based graphical user interface; Fig. 4 is a schematic representation of a deck in a card-based graphical user interface; Fig. 5 is a schematic representation of an obverse or reverse view of the deck 400 of Fig. 4;

Fig. 6 is a schematic representation of a set of items arranged in a Dazzle View;

Fig. 7 is a schematic representation of a set of items arranged in an Infinite Grid View;

Fig. 8A is a schematic representation of a display of a computing device showing a set of multiple associated items in a passive state in a Dazzle View or Infinite Grid View;

Fig. 8B is a schematic representation of a display of a computing device showing a set of multiple associated items in an active state in a Dazzle View or Infinite Grid View;

Fig. 9 is a schematic representation of a set of items arranged in a List View;

Fig. 10 is a flow diagram illustrating functionality associated with a card-based graphical user interface paradigm;

Fig. 11 is a schematic block diagram representation of a system that includes a general purpose computer on which one or more embodiments of the present disclosure may be practised;

Fig. 12 is a schematic block diagram representation of a system that includes a general smartphone on which one or more embodiments of the present disclosure may be practised;

Fig. 13 is a schematic representation of a paper-based graphical user interface paradigm;

Figs 14A and 14B illustrate an example of a card associated with a wordprocessing file in a card-based graphical user interface paradigm; and

Fig. 15 is a schematic representation of cards positioned in a virtual three-dimensional space. Detailed Description

Method steps or features in the accompanying drawings that have the same reference numerals are to be considered to have the same function(s) or operation(s), unless the contrary intention is expressed or implied.

The present disclosure provides a computer-implemented method and system for navigating electronic items using a Graphical User Interface (GUI) paradigm based on a visual metaphor of 'cards' and 'decks'. A card is based on the functionality of playing cards, index cards, trading cards, and business cards and a deck is based on a pack or collection of cards. In the card-based GUI paradigm, a card is a two-dimensional object in three-dimensional space and a deck is a three-dimensional object in three-dimensional space. A deck may be a container for one or more cards. Alternatively, a deck may be empty. In one arrangement, cards and decks are represented as identical or substantially identical in size. In another arrangement, decks are represented as having a depth component larger than cards.

An item may be represented as either a card or a deck. Electronic items may include, for example, but are not limited to: files, folders, applications, music, videos, images, audio clips, messages, contacts, web pages, catalogue entries, stock keeping units (SKUs), physical products, three dimensional (3D) models, articles, or any combination thereof.

In one arrangement, the card-based GUI paradigm provides a plurality of linking means of a markup language for defining relationships between cards and decks. The linking means may be implemented, for example, using a markup language or structural metadata. Such markup languages may include, but are not limited to, HyperText Markup Language (HTML), Extensible HTML (XHTML), Standard Generalized Markup Language (SGML), Extensible Markup Language (XML), and the like

The card-based GUI paradigm described herein is suitable for use on computing devices with two-dimensional or three-dimensional visual display(s) and input modalities including, but not limited to: computer mouse, trackball, stylus, or other pointing device; keyboard;

touchscreen; microphone; sensor recognition of movements of the human body and/or physical objects; or any combination of these. Computing devices include mobile telephones, smartphones, tablet computers, personal computers, servers, and networked devices.

The card-based GUI paradigm enables the representation and navigation of items in three dimensions. In particular, the card-based GUI enables the grouping, classification, ordering, sorting, and filtering of items, and the representation and navigation of groups of assdciated items. Items may be related to one another through one or more associations. The types of associations that can exist between items include, but are not limited to:

1. Items ordered or grouped by a user of a device, for example added to a list, or compiled in a classic folder/sub-folder hierarchical structure;

2. Items returned as the result of a query, sorted randomly or systematically

(i.e., alphabetically, or by some relevance algorithm); and

3. Items serially placed by one or more users of networked devices as part of a

conversation or threaded discussion.

In one arrangement, an association between a pair of cards consisting of a first card and a second card is represented by the relative position of the first and second cards within the three-dimensional space. In another arrangement, the strength of an association between a pair of cards consisting of a first card and a second card is represented by the relative position of the first and second cards within the three-dimensional space.

The card-based GUI paradigm may be utilised to store and present data in computer- implemented systems, including websites or software applications where large amounts of related individual authenticated users, messages and goods are displayed, browsed, filtered, searched, sorted, and the like. In one implementation, the card-based GUI paradigm is applied to a computer-implemented tool for social collaboration to create and share indices and lists of tradeable goods and collaboratively assess those goods for their respective degree of fitness or suitability for an individual or specified purpose.

Implementation of card-based GUI paradigm

Embodiments of the card-based GUI paradigm are implemented as software. Computer program code instructions of the software are executed on a processor in a computing device and/or networked client of a computing device, and/or executed variously across computing devices and networked clients.

Furthermore, elements of the card-based GUI paradigm are constructed and presented using unique graphic image components created and stored in file formats appropriate for display by computing devices and/or networked clients of computing devices. Such elements include, for example, different instances of cards and decks for different types of items.

Examples of file formats for storing graphic image components include, but are not limited to, the following (denoted by their common file extensions): .png, .gif, .jpg, and .ico. These unique graphic image components are referenced in the programmatic code and stored in a location accessible to the computing device and/or networked client of a computing device.

The position of a card or deck within the 3-dimensional space is provided with reference to any other item in a currently viewable portion of a display. In some arrangements, the viewable portion of the display includes a locator icon or control that provides a global reference to the location of a particular item.

Some arrangements of the card-based GUI paradigm of the present disclosure utilise a "master item", wherein other items are arranged relative to the master item. The master item may be predefined by a system implementing the card-based GUI or alternatively may be user-defined.

In one arrangement, a user is able to nominate an initial item as a master item and subsequently nominate another item as the master item, whereupon the initial item loses the status of master item. In one implementation, selecting an item as a master item corresponds to moving that item to the origin of the axis system for the 3-dimensional space. In another implementation, selecting an item as a master item moves the newly selected master item to the centre of a viewable portion of the display, with other items arranged on relative to the master item. In some arrangements, cards and decks are located at regular, prescribed intervals within the 3-dimensional space. The actual intervals may vary, depending on the particular application and implementation. In particular, the prescribed intervals at which items are positioned within the 3-dimensional space may vary based on the particular view that is being applied to the system. Such views may include a List View, Dazzle View, and Infinite Grid View, to be described below.

Fig. 10 is a schematic flow diagram illustrating functionality associated with a card-based GUI paradigm. A user accesses a computing device and provides an input in step 1001. The input may be provided to an input device, such as a keyboard, touchscreen, mouse, or the like. The received input is recognised by an input device and forwarded to application software executing on a processor of a computing device to process the input in step 1002. The software generates an output based on the input and sends the output for display on a visual display of a computing device in step 1003. In particular, the output includes information to display items as cards or decks on a visual display of a computing device. The output causes the visual display to change in state via changes in programmable behaviour and/or displayed image files. The programmatic code and stored images representing the implementation of a card-based GUI paradigm may constitute all or part of:

• a computer operating system;

• an application installed on a computing device and interacting with an operating system; or

• an application installed on a server and accessed via a networked client using recognised standards.

The card-based GUI paradigm of the present disclosure may be practised using a computing device, such as a general purpose computer, smartphone, or tablet device. Fig. 11 is a schematic block diagram of a system 1100 that includes a general purpose computer 1110. The general purpose computer 1110 includes a plurality of components, including: a processor 1112, a memory 1114, a storage medium 1116, input output (I/O) interfaces 1120, and input/output (I/O) ports 1122. Components of the general purpose computer 1110 generally communicate using a bus 1148.

The memory 1114 may include Random Access Memory (RAM), Read Only Memory (ROM), or a combination thereof. The storage medium 1116 may be implemented as one or more of a hard disk drive, a solid state "flash" drive, an optical disk drive, or other storage means. The storage medium 1116 may be utilised to store one or more computer programs, including an operating system, software applications, and data. In one mode of operation, instructions from one or more computer programs stored in the storage medium 1116 are loaded into the memory 1114 via the bus 1148. Instructions loaded into the memory 1114 are then made available via the bus 1148 or other means for execution by the processor 1112 to effect a mode of operation in accordance with the executed instructions.

One or more peripheral devices may be coupled to the general purpose computer 1110 via the I/O ports 1122. In the example of Fig. 11, the general purpose computer 1110 is coupled to each of a speaker 1124, a camera 1126, a display device 1130, an input device 1132, a printer 1134, and an external storage medium 1136. The speaker 1124 may include one or more speakers, such as in a stereo or surround sound system.

The camera 1126 may be a webcam, or other still or video digital camera, and may download and upload information to and from the general purpose computer 1110 via the I/O ports 1122, dependent upon the particular implementation. For example, images recorded by the camera 1126 may be uploaded to the storage medium 1116 of the general purpose computer 1110. Similarly, images stored on the storage medium 1116 may be downloaded to a memory or storage medium of the camera 1126. The camera 1126 may include a lens system, a sensor unit, and a recording medium.

The display device 1130 may be a computer monitor, such as a cathode ray tube screen, plasma screen, or liquid crystal display (LCD) screen. The display 1130 may receive information from the computer 1110 in a conventional manner, wherein the information is presented on the display device 1130 for viewing by a user. The display device 1130 may optionally be implemented using a touch screen, such as a capacitive touch screen, to enable a user to provide input to the general purpose computer 1110.

The input device 1132 may be a keyboard, a mouse, or both, for receiving input from a user. The external storage medium may be an external hard disk drive (HDD), an optical drive, a floppy disk drive, or a flash drive.

The I/O interfaces 1120 facilitate the exchange of information between the general purpose computing device 1110 and other computing devices. The I/O interfaces may be implemented using an internal or external modem, an Ethernet connection, or the like, to enable coupling to a transmission medium. In the example of Fig. 11, the I/O interfaces 1122 are coupled to a communications network 1138 and directly to a computing device 1142. The computing device 1142 is shown as a personal computer, but may be equally be practised using a smartphone, laptop, or a tablet device. Direct communication between the general purpose computer 1110 and the computing device 1142 may be effected using a wireless or wired transmission link.

The communications network 1138 may be implemented using one or more wired or wireless transmission links and may include, for example, a dedicated communications link, a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), the Internet, a telecommunications network, or any combination thereof. A telecommunications network may include, but is not limited to, a telephony network, such as a Public Switch Telephony Network (PSTN), a mobile telephone cellular network, a short message service (SMS) network, or any combination thereof. The general purpose computer 1110 is able to communicate via the communications network 1138 to other computing devices connected to the communications network 1138, such as the mobile telephone handset 1144, the touchscreen

smartphone 1146, the personal computer 1140, and the computing device 1142. One or more graphical icons and the like are stored in the memory 1114 and/or the storage medium 1116 for retrieval and use at a later time. Computer program code instructions retrieved from the memory 1114 and/or the storage medium 1116 execute on the processor 1112 and, in response to inputs received via the I/O ports 1112, transmit graphical icons retrieved from the memory 1114 and/or the storage medium 116 for display on the visual display 1130 to represent one or more items.

Fig. 12 is a schematic block diagram of a system 1200 on which one or more aspects of a card-based GUI paradigm of the present disclosure may be practised. The system 1200 - includes a portable computing device in the form of a smartphone 1210. The smartphone 1210 includes a plurality of components, including: a processor 1212, a memory 1214, a storage medium 1216, a battery 1218, an antenna 1220, a radio frequency (RF) transmitter and receiver 1222, a subscriber identity module (SIM) card 1224, a speaker 1226, an input device 1228, a camera 1230, a display 1232, and a wireless transmitter and receiver 1234. Components of the smartphone 1210 generally communicate using a bus 1248 or other connections therebetween. The smartphone 1210 also includes a wired connection 1245 for coupling to a power outlet to recharge the battery 1218. The wired connection may include one or more connectors and may be adapted to enable uploading and downloading of content from and to the memory 1214 and SIM card 1224.

The smartphone 1210 may include many other functional components, such as an audio digital-to-analogue and analogue-to-digital converter and an amplifier, but those components are omitted for the purpose of clarity. However, such components would be readily known and understood by a person skilled in the relevant art.

The memory 1214 may include Random Access Memory (RAM), Read Only Memory (ROM), or a combination thereof. The storage medium 1216 may be implemented as one or more of a solid state "flash" drive, a removable storage medium, such as a Secure Digital (SD) or microSD card, or other storage means. The storage medium 1216 may be utilised to store one or more computer programs, including an operating system, software applications, and data. In one mode of operation, instructions from one or more computer programs stored in the storage medium 1216 are loaded into the memory 1214 via the bus 1248. Instructions loaded into the memory 1214 are then made available via the bus 1248 or other means for execution by the processor 1212 to effect a mode of operation in accordance with the executed instructions. The smartphone 1210 also includes an application programming interface (API) module 1236, which enables programmers to write software applications to execute on the processor 1212. Such applications include a plurality of instructions that may be pre-installed in the memory 1214 or downloaded to the memory 1214 from an external source, via the RF transmitter and receiver 1222 operating in association with the antenna 1220.

The smartphone 1210 further includes a GPS location module 1238. The GPS location module 1238 is used to determine a geographical position of the smartphone 1210, based on GPS satellites, cellular telephone tower triangulation, or a combination thereof. The determined geographical position may then be made available to one or more programs or applications running on the processor 1212.

The wireless transmitter and receiver 1234 may be utilised to communicate wirelessly with external peripheral devices via Bluetooth, infrared, or other wireless protocol. In the example of Fig. 12, the smartphone 1210 is coupled to each of a printer 1240, an external storage medium 1244, and a computing device 1242. The computing device 1242 may be implemented, for example, using the general purpose computer 1110 of Fig. 11.

The camera 1226 may include one or more still or video digital cameras adapted to capture and record to the memory 1214 or the SIM card 1224 still images or video images, or a combination thereof. The camera 1226 may include a lens system, a sensor unit, and a recording medium. A user of the smartphone 1210 may upload the recorded images to another computer device or peripheral device using the wireless transmitter and receiver 1234, the RF transmitter and receiver 1222, or the wired connection 1245.

In one example, the display device 1232 is implemented using a liquid crystal display (LCD) screen. The display 1232 is used to display content to a user of the smartphone 1210. The display 1232 may optionally be implemented using a touch screen, such as a capacitive touch screen, to enable a user to provide input to the smartphone 1210. Graphical representations of cards and decks utilised by the card-based graphical user interface may occupy all or a portion of the display 1232. In one embodiment, a card is presented on the display 1232 such that the size of the card corresponds substantially to the viewable area of the display 1232.

The input device 1228 may be a keyboard, a stylus, touchscreen, or microphone, for example, for receiving input from a user. The SIM card 1224 is utilised to store an International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) and a related key used to identify and authenticate the user on a cellular network to which the user has subscribed. The SIM card 1224 is generally a removable card that can be used interchangeably on different smartphone or cellular telephone devices. The SIM card 1224 can be used to store contacts associated with the user) including names and telephone numbers. The SIM card 1224 can also provide storage for pictures and videos.

Alternatively, contacts can be stored on the memory 1214.

The RF transmitter and receiver 1222, in association with the antenna 1220, enable the exchange of information between the smartphone 1210 and other computing devices via a communications network 1238. In the example of Fig. 12, RF transmitter and receiver 1222 enable the smartphone 1210 to communicate via the communications network 1238 with a cellular telephone handset 1250, a smartphone or tablet device 1252, a computing device 1254 and the computing device 1242. The computing devices 1254 and 1242 are shown as personal computers, but each may be equally be practised using a smartphone, laptop, or a tablet device.

The communications network 1238 may be implemented using one or more wired or wireless transmission links and may include, for example, a cellular telephony network, a dedicated communications link, a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), the Internet, a telecommunications network, or any combination thereof. A telecommunications network may include, but is not limited to, a telephony network, such as a Public Switch Telephony Network (PSTN), a cellular (mobile) telephone cellular network, a short message -service (SMS) network, or any combination thereof.

Presentation, navigation, and behaviours relating to a Card or Deck

A card is a graphical representation of an electronic item. Thus, each card is associated with an electronic item. The actual appearance of a card depends on the particular application. In one or more embodiments, a card is presented on a visual display of a computing device as an icon in the form of a substantially rectangular shape. Such substantially rectangular shapes are suited to the viewable area of many computing device displays, thus enabling a single card or deck to be enlarged or configured to occupy all or substantially all of a computing device display. In other arrangements, any two dimensional (2D) shape may be utilised to represent a card. In particular, different characteristics may be assigned to different 2D shapes, such that a card represented by a particular shape has the

characteristics assigned that particular shape. A card is a two-dimensional structure in a three-dimensional environment and has two faces, an obverse face and a reverse face. Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of a front (obverse) face 150 of a card 100. The obverse face 150 includes an item icon 101. The item icon 101 is a graphical icon representative of the item, the status of the item, or a combination thereof. For example, if the item is a document created using a particular software application, the icon is the branded icon associated with that software application.

The item icon 101 is a button. A user activates the button 101 to launch a control (function) relating to the item. An icon may be associated with one or more controls. Where there is more than one control associated with the item, activating the icon 101 causes a series of buttons representing those multiple controls to be displayed on the card. The orientation of the buttons depends on the particular application, user preference, or a combination thereof. The example of Fig. 1 shows buttons 104 arranged horizontally, buttons 105 arranged in an arc, and buttons 106 arranged vertically. Alternatively, activating the icon 101 displays a drop down list of selectable controls associated with the icon 101.

The obverse face 150 of the card 100 also includes a card border 102. The card border 102 graphically represents a card condition. The card condition may indicate, for example, a type of item, a status of the item at a point in time, an availability of recent real-time search results relating to the item, or a combination thereof. For example, a card border 102 of a predefined colour may be used to indicate a particular file type or to identify a medium of which the item is comprised, such as graphics, audio, image, or multimedia.

One or more enhanced effects are optionally applied to the card border 102 to identify further functionality. Such enhanced effects may include, for example, one or more of a glowing card border 102, a pattern applied to the card border 102, or a watermark image applied to the card border 102. The enhanced effects may be utilised to represent the arrival of a real-time search result or to represent the person or media service from which the result originates.

The obverse face 150 of the card 100 further includes a card front 103, which is a portion of the card 100 used to display the contents or a representation of the contents of the item. .In one example, the item is a text file and the card front 103 of a card associated with the text file displays the text of that text file. For a large text file, the card front 103 includes a shortcut to the full text file or a preview portion of the text file. In another example, the item is a media file or a document, and the contents of the card front 103 contain a preview or abbreviated form of the media file or document. Where the contents include playable or launchable media, a control associated with that media (for example, a ^¾play' button) may be displayed in addition to the icon 101 and optional extra controls 104, 105, and 106.

Fig. 2 shows a reverse side 160 of the card 100 of Fig. 1. The reverse side 160 includes a card border 201 and a card back 202. The card border 201 corresponds to the card border 102 of Fig. 1 and graphically represents a card condition. The card condition may indicate, for example, a type of item, a status of the item at a point in time, an availability of recent real-time search results relating to the item, or a combination thereof. For example, a card border 201 of a predefined colour may be used to indicate a particular file type or to identify a medium of which the item is comprised, such as graphics, audio, image, or multimedia.

One or more enhanced effects are optionally applied to the card border 201 to identify further functionality. Such enhanced effects may include, for example, one or more of a glowing card border 201, a pattern applied to the card border 201, or a watermark image applied to the card border 201. The enhanced effects may be utilised to represent the arrival of a real-time search result or to represent the person or media service from which the result originates.

The card back 202 is a portion of the reverse side 160 used for properties and metadata relating to the item. For a card, such properties and metadata may include, for example, but are not limited to, the file type and size, the user who created the item, the date and time of creation of the item, and the location at which the item was created. The properties may also include an identifier corresponding to the position of that item in the three-dimensional space. Alternatively, the identifier may be included in information contained in the obverse face 150 of the card. For a deck, the properties and metadata stored on the card back 202 may further include, for example, the contents of the deck, such as the names and types of cards contained within.

The reverse side 160 of the card 100 also includes a search results area 203 for displaying real-time search results. The search results area 203 displays real time search results relating to the item or content referred to in the Item. Such content may include, for example, references to people, events, or other things. Depending on the type and nature of item with which the card is associated, the search results area 203 may be enabled or disabled. For example, real-time search results would apply to a news article, video, song, or product, and thus a card associated with an item relating to that material would include a search results area 203 that is enabled. In contrast, a card associated with a wordprocessing document written by a user for their supervisor at work would either not include a search results area 203 or the search results area 203 would be disabled for that card. The content (results) in the search results area 203 may include, for example, text and hyperlinks. In one arrangement, the content automatically scrolls within the search results area 203 and the content is adapted to be scrolled manually by a user.

The search results area 203 includes a set of search result filters 204. The set of search result filters 204 includes one or more filters that can be selectively applied by a user to real-time search results displayed in the search results area 203. The search result filters may be: (i) sort filters, which allow a user to sort the search results by timestamp or relevance, for example; or (ii) source filters, which allow a user to toggle on and off various media and search services.

As noted above, items may be related to one another through one or more associations. Consequently, it is possible to navigate among cards associated with various items. The card-based GUI paradigm allows a user to navigate to and away from cards, between cards and within a card, such as from an obverse face to a reverse face, in a number of ways.

Fig. 3 is a schematic representation of a single card 300 displayed on a two-dimensional display 350 of a computing device. In the example of Fig. 3, the computing device is a smartphone or tablet device, such as the smartphone 1210, implemented with a capacitive touchscreen adapted to receive inputs from a user. In this example, the card 300 is presented on a display having the smallest horizontal viewable area corresponding to the horizontal width of the display apparent to the user that allows the legible presentation, effective comprehension, and easy internal navigation of a single card only. In the simple case of Fig. 3, the card 300 is configured to be substantially the same size as the viewable area of the display 350.

The following terms will be used to explain navigation through the virtual three-dimensional space in which the items exist to which the card-based GUI paradigm is applied.

LEFT and RIGHT describe the two possible directions within the horizontal width dimension (x-axis).

ABOVE and BELOW describe the two possible directions within the vertical height dimension (y-axis).

OUT and IN describe the two possible directions within the depth dimension (z-axis). A number of inputs are used to navigate the three-dimensional space in which the card 300 is positioned. In the embodiment of Fig. 3, swiping down 301 the display 350 triggers a function UP that changes the information presented on the display 350 from the present card 300 to another card located above the card 300 in the three-dimensional space. If there is no item located above the card 300, this swiping down input 301 either does nothing or optionally triggers a function OUT that changes the information presented on the display 350 from the present card 300 to another card located further out along the z-axis than the present card 300. If there is no item located further out, this swiping down input 301 optionally activates a MENU/SLEEVE function, described below.

Holding and swiping downwards 302 triggers the OUT function. As described above, the OUT function changes the information presented on the display 350 from the present card 300 to another card located further out along the x-axis than the present card 300. If there is no item located further out, this holding and swiping down input 302 optionally activates a MENU/SLEEVE function.

Swiping left 303 triggers a RIGHT function that presents information on the display 350 corresponding to a card located to the right of the card 300 on the x-axis. If there is no item to the right of the card 300, this swiping left input 303 triggers a response indicating that the RIGHT function is not possible.

Holding and swiping left 304 triggers a PEEK function, which displays the card 300 in a transparent manner such that a portion of one or more cards to the right of the card 300 is displayed. If there is no card to the right of the card 300 on the x-axis, this holding and swiping left input 304 triggers a response indicating that the PEEK function is not possible.

A single tap 305a in a bottom right portion of the display 350 triggers a DISCARD function. The DISCARD function may alternatively be triggered using a swiping down to the right input 305b, initiated from the bottom right corner of the display 350. The DISCARD function removes the card 300 from the three-dimensional space for deletion and displays a card to the right of the position occupied by the deleted card 300. If there is no card to the right, the DISCARD function optionally displays a next card below the position occupied by the deleted card 300. If there is no card below, the DISCARD function optionally displays a next card to the left of the position occupied by the deleted card 300. If there is no card to the left, the DISCARD function optionally displays a next card above the position occupied by the deleted card 300. If there is no card above, the DISCARD function optionally displays a next card positioned further out along the z-axis than the position occupied by the deleted card 300. If there is no card further out, it is a special case and the response will be dictated by the particular application or operating system using the card-based GUI paradigm. In one embodiment, the DISCARD function returns an error message or no result in such a special case.

A double tap 306a in the bottom right corner of the display triggers an UNDO DISCARD function, which undoes a preceding DISCARD function and returns the information presented on the display 350 and the state of the three-dimensional space to the state before the DISCARD function was enacted. The UNDO DISCARD function may alternatively be triggered by swiping up and to the left 306b. If it is not possible to restore the state of the three-dimensional space and the information presented on the display 350, the UNDO DISCARD function triggers a response indicating the expected response is not possible.

Holding and swiping upwards 307 triggers an IN function that displays a card positioned closer in than the position occupied by the card 300. If there is no card positioned closer in than the card 300, the holding and swiping upwards input 307 triggers a response indicating that the expected response is not possible.

Swiping upwards 308 triggers a DOWN function that displays a card positioned further down than the card 300. If there is no card positioned further down than the card 300, the swiping upwards input 308 triggers a response indicating that the expected response is not possible.

A single tap 309a in the bottom left corner of the display 350 triggers a TUCK function, which removes the card 300 and places the card 300 in a Sleeve space. The Sleeve space is an area for displaying menus for a software application or operating system, as well as any cards to which the TUCK function has been applied. The Sleeve space is a conceptual space removed from the normal 3D axes defining the three-dimensional space in which the cards and decks are located, and is accessed by control 311 (described below).The TUCK function may alternatively be triggered by swiping diagonally down and to the left 309b. The TUCK function then presents on the display 350 a card located to the right of the card 300. If there is no card to the right, the TUCK function displays a card below the card 300. If there is no card below the card 300, the TUCK function displays a card to the left of the card 300. If there is no card to the left, the TUCK function displays a card above the card 300. If there is card above, the TUCK function displays a card further out along the z-axis. If there is no card further out, it is a special case and the response will be dictated by the particular application or operating system which is using the card-based GUI paradigm. In one embodiment, the TUCK function returns an error message or no result in such a special case.

A double tap 310a in the bottom left corner or swiping up and to the left 310b triggers an UNTUCK function. The UNTUCK function displays one of the cards in the Sleeve space and the card 300 that was previously displayed is shifted further down or to the right. All other cards further down and/or to the right are also shifted. In one arrangement, if there is a card to the left of the previously displayed card, then the previously displayed card is shifted to the right. If there is no card to the left, then the previously displayed card is shifted to the right unless there is a card above and/or below, in which case the previously displayed card is shifted down. If there.are no cards in the sleeve space, the UNTUCK function triggers a response indicating that the expected response is not possible.

Holding and swiping right 311 triggers a MENU/SLEEVE function that displays the Sleeve space. The Sleeve space may include, for example, menus for a software application or operating system are displayed, along with any cards to which the TUCK function has been applied.

Swiping right 312 triggers a LEFT function that displays a card positioned to the left of the card 300. If there is no card to the left, the LEFT function optionally triggers the OUT function. If there is no card further out, the LEFT function optionally activates the

MENU/SLEEVE function to display the Sleeve space.

A single tap 313 in a central portion of the display 350 triggers a FLIP function that displays an opposite side of the card 300. Thus, if an obverse side of the card 300 is being presented on the display 350, a single tap to the central portion of the display activates the FLIP function and the reverse side of the card 300 is presented on the display. Similarly, if the reverse side of the card 300 is being presented on the display 350, a single tap to the central portion of the display activates the FLIP function and the obverse side of the card 300 is presented on the display.

A double tap 314 in a central portion of the display 350 triggers an EDIT/OPEN function. Depending on the side of the card 300 presently being viewed and the controls available for that card, the EDIT/OPEN function activates an available control. In one example, a double tap 314 on a central portion of the display 350 whilst viewing a card associated with a wordprocessing document activates the EDIT/OPEN function and presents the contents of the card 300 in an editable format. It should be noted that all the methods of navigation shown in Fig. 3 are equally applicable to cards and decks. Additional methods of navigation apply to a deck, due to the fact that a deck is a three-dimensional item and may contain one or more items. These additional methods of navigation are described below.

The navigation paths illustrated in and described with reference to Fig. 3 may be equally practised using different input modalities. Further, the taps and swipes to trigger the various navigation functions may be allocated to different functions, dependent on a particular application or preference, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

All the methods of navigation illustrated in and described with reference to Fig. 3 apply to displays of greater horizontal width than those which will allow the legible presentation, effective comprehension, and easy internal navigation of a single card only. However, in such cases additional methods of navigation may also be available.

Presentation, navigation, and behaviours relating to a Deck

In contrast to a card which is a two-dimensional object, a deck is a three dimensional object. In addition to an obverse side and a reverse side, a deck has a spine. The spine is a lateral surface separating the obverse and reverse sides of the deck, which may be optionally hidden or revealed. The navigation and functional methods relating to the spine of a deck will now be described with reference to Fig. 4 and Fig. 5.

Fig. 4 is a schematic representation of a spine 450 of a deck 400. The spine 450 includes a spine border 401, a deck name 402, a search field 403, and a search button 404. The spine border 401 graphically represents a card condition. The card condition may indicate, for example, a type of item, a status of the item at a point in time, an availability of recent realtime search results relating to the item, or a combination thereof. For example, a spine border 401 of a predefined colour may be used to indicate a particular file type or to identify a medium of which the item is comprised, such as graphics, audio, image, or multimedia.

One or more enhanced effects are optionally applied to the spine border 401 to identify further functionality. Such enhanced effects may include, for example, one or more of a glowing spine border 401, a pattern applied to the spine border 401, or a watermark image applied to the spine border 401. The enhanced effects may be utilised to represent the arrival of a real-time search result or to represent the person or media service from which the result originates. The deck name 402 contains a name or description of the deck 400. The search field 403 receives an input relating to a search query. Inputting a search query in the search field 403 enables a search within the contents of the deck 400 or more broadly, depending on the application. For example, the search field 403 may be adapted to allow a user to search within the deck 400 or among other cards or decks having a particular association to the deck 400 or among all cards and decks or some other collection thereof.

The search button 404 initiates a search, cancels an active search, or allows a user to move the search field above (or to left of) the deck name 402, creating a new instance of a deck relating to the broader search results.

Fig. 5 is a schematic representation of an obverse or reverse view of the deck 400, showing the spine 450 and an obverse or reverse face 410. Holding and swiping right in a left hand portion of an obverse or reverse face 410 has an initial effect of revealing the spine 450. In one implementation, revealing the spine 450 slightly truncates the displayed area of the obverse or reverse face 410. Continuing to hold and swipe right across the obverse or reverse face 410 then triggers a function associated with the deck. The initial portion of the hold and swipe action which reveals the spine is referred to as a 'short' hold and swipe.

Fig. 13 is a schematic representation of a paper-based graphical user interface paradigm. In this example of Fig. 13, a Folder A 1310 is associated with a directory on a computer server. Folder A 1310 includes 4 files: MSWord File 1 1320, Excel File 2 1330, MSWord File 3 1340, and PDF File 4 1350. It is common for paper-based GUIs to offer a user a selection of views, so that the user can choose whether the files and folders are displayed as icons, small icons, large icons, or simply as text. The icons typically incorporate a label, logo, or other graphical indicia related to the application with which an individual file is associated. For example, a word processing file associated with the Microsoft Word application is displayed alongside a blue, stylised ^WW". Presenting File 1 1320, File 2 1330, File 3 1340, and File 4 1350 in a common folder, Folder A 1310, indicates that there is some relationship among those files. However, no further information is provided about the relationships.

Figs 14A and 14B illustrate an example of a card 1400 associated with a wordprocessing file in a card-based graphical user interface paradigm. Fig. 14A shows an obverse face 1410 of the card 1400. The wordprocessing file is associated with the Microsoft Word software application and, in this implementation, a card border 1402 is patterned to graphically represent the association between the card 1400 and the Microsoft Word application.

Different graphical representations may be applied to the card border 1402 to indicate associations with different software applications and different statuses of items. Graphical enhancements may be combined. For example, if the pattern of the card border 1402 is glowing or moving, that enhancement may indicate that the file is open for editing.

The obverse face 1410 of the card 1400 includes an item icon 1401, which when pressed by a user displays buttons 1404a and 1404b. In this example, button 1404a is an edit button, which allows a user to launch the MS Word application to edit the file associated with the card 1400. Button 1404b is an email button, which allows a user to launch an email program to email the file associated with the card 1400.

The obverse face 1410 of the card 1400 further includes a card front 1403, which in the example of Fig. 14A displays a preview of the content of the wordprocessing file associated with the card 1400.

Fig. 14B shows a reverse side 1450 of the card 1400. As for Fig. 14A, the reverse side 1450 of the card 1400 includes a card border 1452, which displays a predefined pattern indicative of an association between the card 1400 and the MS Word application. The reverse side 1450 also includes a card back 1452. The card back 1452 includes a portion allocated to real-time search results 1453. The search results 1453 includes content and one or more filters. In the example of Fig. 14B, the filters include a button 1404a to sort the search results by date and a dialog box 1404b in which the user can enter a keyword for performing a search.

In this example, the wordprocessing document associated with the card 1400 relates to Project A and the user has entered "Project A" into the keyword search button 1404b. The search results displayed in the search results 1453 include 3 files: Project A - timeline.doc; Project A - projectppt; and Country X - Projects.xls. This indicates that those 3 files are related by an association of some sort. The search results 1453 may contain metadata or hyperlinks associated with each returned search result, which allow a user to navigate among the related items.

Fig. 15 is a schematic representation of cards positioned in a virtual three-dimensional space 1500 defined by a set of axes 1510. In this example, four cards 1520, 1530, 1540 are positioned within the three-dimensional space. Arrows between pairs of cards indicate an association between such cards. Further, the relative proximity of a first card with respect to a second card illustrates the strength of the relationship or association between those cards. Cards that are strongly associated with one another are located close to one another, whereas cards that are not strongly associated with one another are positioned far from one another. In this example, card 1530 is positioned closer to card 1540 than to card 1510, indicating a stronger relationship between cards 1530, 1540 than between cards 1510, 1530.

A deck containing one or more cards covers those cards within the space. In the example of Fig. 15, a deck 1560 contains cards 1530, 1540, and thus encompasses cards 1530, 1540 within the space 1500.

The relationship between a deck and cards contained within the deck may be indicated as metadata on the reverse of the deck. Alternatively, the relationship may be viewable by a user opening the deck to view the associated contents.

Associations between cards and decks can be implemented using markup language, such as HTML, XHTML, SGML, XML, and the like. Such associations may be implemented directly. For example, if a user creates a deck as a folder to contain certain items and places items in the deck, those items are directly associated with that deck and that direct association can be represented by markup language. Associations can also be implemented indirectly, where properties of the item are used by an algorithm to create a deck of associated items. Such properties may also be represented by markup language. An example of the latter is where a user searches for items of a certain property and a deck of results is created containing the results of that search.

Presentation, navigation and behaviours relating to the display of multiple associated items

Multiple associated items may be presented on a visual display 1130, 1232 in a plurality of ways, including:

Dazzle View - Items are displayed as one or more cards and/or decks arranged in a disruptive pattern. Items are not aligned with a grid or each other. Items overlap one or more other items.

Infinite Grid View - Items are displayed as one or more cards and/or decks aligned with an offset grid. Adjacent columns in the grid are offset on the horizontal axis by approximately half the height of an item. Items do not overlap. There is an even border between each Item.

List View - Items are displayed in a vertically aligned, scrolling list. Items are represented as a thumbnail image of a card or deck, wherein each card or deck has an associated portion of adjacent descriptive text. The Dazzle View and Infinite Grid View both scroll in any direction on the two-dimensional plane of up-down and left-right. That is, the Dazzle View and Infinite Grid View scroll horizontally, vertically, and at any diagonal angle. The List View scrolls in a vertical direction only.

In the Dazzle View and Infinite Grid View, a top or side menu, or other method for accessing a menu, may be replaced by allowing certain items scattered throughout the view to be navigation/action control(s), either persistently, or intermittently changing state from an item to a navigation/action control and vice versa. That is, a card or deck located within a certain position of a viewable portion of the display may be a navigation or action control. Such action controls may include, for example, "login" or "create new item" functionality.

The types of association between items relevant to these views include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Items ordered or grouped by a user of a device, for example added to a list, or compiled in a classic folder/sub-folder hierarchical structure; and

• Items returned as the result of a query, sorted randomly or systematically

(i.e., alphabetically, or by some relevance algorithm).

For the sake of clarity, the types of association between items relevant to these views exclude:

• Items serially placed by one or more users of networked devices as part of a conversation or threaded discussion.

Dazzle View

The presentation, navigation and behaviour of items in the Dazzle View are illustrated in and described with reference to Fig. 6 and Figs 8A, 8B.

In a Dazzle View, items are displayed as cards and/or decks arranged in a disruptive pattern. Items do not align with a grid or each other. Items are optionally shown overlapping each other, although the overlapping of adjacent items does not represent any common features. Alternatively, items are shown in a scattered fashion in which items do not overlap, but are similarly presented in a disruptive pattern. Items are ordered systematically with reference to one particular item, known as the 'Master Item'. The items may be ordered, for example, alphabetically, by date, by relevance, by similarity, or in some other manner.

Fig. 6 is a schematic representation of a set of items 600 arranged in a Dazzle View with respect to a Master Item 601. In one implementation, the Master Item 601 is identified through a difference in physical appearance, such as through application of a unique, predefined border colour on the card border or spine border.

Items within the set of items 600 are arranged such that items closest to the Master Item 601 in the ordering system are presented in actual physical proximity to the Master Item 601 on the visual display of the computing device. In this Dazzle View, the user can scroll in any two-dimensional direction: horizontally, vertically, and at any diagonal angle.

Fig. 6 also shows a Locator 602, which is a graphical device that updates dynamically to represent visually the scrolling direction of the Master Item 601 and the position of the Master Item with respect to items presently visible to a user. The Locator 602 is useful in the case that the user has scrolled among the set of items 600 such that the Master Item 601 is no longer apparent on the viewable area of the visual display.

Selecting the Locator 602 resets the display such that the user is presented with a view in which the Master Item 601 is approximately centred in the viewable area of the visual display. The Locator 602 is persistent in the viewable area of the visual display.

Fig. 6 also shows a Shuffle Icon 603. Selecting the Shuffle Icon 603 resets the Master Item 601 and ordering system, either randomly, or in some systematic fashion appropriate to context. The context may depend, for example, on the type of items in the set of items 600 and various associations among those items. The Shuffle Icon 603 is persistent in the viewable area of the visual display.

Fig. 8A is a schematic representation of a display of a computing device showing a set of multiple associated items in a passive state in a Dazzle View or Infinite Grid View. A single tap 801 on any item displayed in the Dazzle View changes the item from a passive state to an active state.

A double tap 802 on any item displayed in the Dazzle View launches a control appropriate to that item or displays a series of controls. Such controls may include, for example, opening an application, playing media, editing a file, and the like. A series of controls is displayed where multiple controls apply to the item in that context.

Fig. 8B is a schematic representation of a display of a computing device showing an item in an active state in a Dazzle View or Infinite Grid View. The active state displays a

Make Master icon 803 and a Tuck icon 804. Selecting the Make Master icon 803 causes the active item to become the 'Master' Item. Selecting the Tuck icon 804 triggers the Tuck action, which removes the active item from the position presently occupied by that item in the three-dimensional space and places the active item in the Sleeve space. When the Master Item 601 is placed in an active state, by a single tap 801, the Make Master icon 803 is not displayed, as such functionality is redundant as the Master Item 601 is already the Master Item.

Infinite Grid View

The presentation, navigation and behaviour of items in the Infinite Grid View are illustrated in and described with reference to Fig. 7 and Figs 8A, 8B.

In an Infinite Grid View, items are displayed as cards and/or decks aligned with an offset grid. Adjacent columns in the grid are offset on the horizontal axis by approximately half the height of an item. Items do not overlap. There is an even border between each item. Items are ordered systematically with reference to one particular item, known as the 'Master Item'. The items may be ordered, for example, alphabetically, by date, by relevance, by similarity, or in some other manner.

Fig. 7 is a schematic representation of a set of items 700 arranged in an Infinite Grid View with respect to a Master Item 701. In one implementation, the Master Item701 is identified by a difference in physical appearance, such as through application of a unique, predefined border colour on the card border or spine border.

Items within the set of items 700 are arranged such that the items closest to the Master Item 701 in the ordering system are presented in actual physical proximity to the Master Item 701 on the visual display of the computing device. In this Infinite Grid View, the user can scroll in any two-dimensional direction: horizontally, vertically, and at any diagonal angle.

Fig. 7 also shows a Locator 702, which is a graphical device that updates dynamically to represent visually the scrolling direction of the Master Item 701 and the position of the Master Item with respect to items presently visible to a user. The Locator 702 is useful in the case that the user has scrolled among the set of items 700 such that the Master Item 701 is no longer apparent on the viewable area of the visual display.

Selecting the Locator 702 resets the display such that the user is presented with a view in which the Master Item 701 is approximately centred in the viewable area of the visual display. The Locator 702 is persistent in the viewable area of the visual display.

Fig. 7 also shows a Shuffle Icon 703. Selecting the Shuffle Icon 703 resets the Master Item 701 and ordering system, either randomly, or in some systematic fashion appropriate to context. The context may depend, for example, on the type of items in the set of items 700 and various associations among those items. The Shuffle Icon 703 is persistent in the viewable area of the visual display.

List View

The presentation, navigation and behaviour of items in the List View are illustrated in and described with reference to Fig. 9.

In a List View, items are displayed as cards and/or decks in a vertically aligned, scrolling list. Items are represented as a thumbnail image of the Card or Deck, with each thumbnail image displayed with an adjacent descriptive text item. The List View scrolls vertically only.

Fig. 9 is a schematic representation of a set of items 900 ordered systematically in a

List View with respect to a Master Item 902 that appears at the top of a list 910. The Master Item 902 is displayed with an adjacent descriptive text item 904. The items may be ordered, for example, alphabetically, by date, by relevance, by similarity, or in some other manner. The item that is the closest to the Master Item 902 in the ordering system is displayed as second-to-top of the list item 906, the next closest third to top, and so on.

Using a touchscreen interface, a user holds down 902 any selected list item 908 other than the Master Item 902 and drags the selected item 908 upwards to cause the selected item to become the Master Item 902.

Industrial Applicability

The arrangements described are applicable to the computer and data processing industries.

The foregoing describes only some embodiments of the present invention, and modifications and/or changes can be made thereto without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention, the embodiments being illustrative and not restrictive.

In the context of this specification, the word "comprising" and its associated grammatical constructions mean "including principally but not necessarily solely" or "having" or

"including", and not "consisting only of". Variations of the word "comprising", such as "comprise" and "comprises" have correspondingly varied meanings.

As used throughout this specification, unless otherwise specified, the use of ordinal adjectives "first", "second", "third", "fourth", etc., to describe common or related objects, indicates that reference is being made to different instances of those common or related objects, and is not intended to imply that the objects so described must be provided or positioned in a given order or sequence, either temporally, spatially, in ranking, or in any other manner. Although the invention has been described with reference to specific examples, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention may be embodied in many other forms.

Claims

We claim:

1. A computer-implemented graphical user interface for navigating electronic items, comprising:

a plurality of cards, wherein each card is uniquely associated with an electronic item, each card including: an identifier indicating a position of that card in a three-dimensional space, and a launch icon for activating at least one function associated with said associated item; and

a plurality of linking means of a markup language, each card being encoded with at least one linking means, said linking means establishing associations between pairs of cards.

2. The user interface according to claim 1, wherein an association between a pair of first and second cards is represented by the relative position of the first and second cards within the three-dimensional space.

3. The user interface according to either one of claims 1 and 2, wherein said electronic items are located at regular, prescribed intervals within the three-dimensional space.

4. The user interface according to either any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein said electronic items are ordered systematically with reference to a Master Item.

5. The user interface according to claim 4, wherein said ordering is based on at least one of alphabetically, by date, by relevance, or by similarity.

6. The user interface according to either one of claims 4 and 5, wherein said Master Item is user defined.

7. The user interface according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein said Master Item is located at the origin of an axis system for the three-dimensional space.

8. The user interface according to any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein said Master Item is located in a centre of a viewable portion of a display of the graphical user interface.

9. The user interface according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein said item is selected from the group consisting of: files, folders files, folders, applications, music, videos, images, audio clips, messages, contacts, web pages, catalogue entries, stock keeping units (SKUs), physical products, 3D models, and articles.

10. The user interface according to any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising:

a three-dimensional deck, wherein said deck has a volume and a position in said three dimensional space, said deck containing all cards located within said volume, wherein each card contained within said deck has an association with said deck.

11. The user interface according to claim 10, wherein each association is implemented using metadata associated with the respective cards and the deck.

12. The user interface according to either one of claims 10 and 11, wherein said deck is associated with an electronic item selected from the group consisting of: files, folders files, folders, applications, music, videos, images, audio clips, messages, contacts, web pages, catalogue entries, stock keeping units (SKUs), physical products, 3D models, and articles.

13. The user interface according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein each card is a two-dimensional shape having an obverse face and a reverse face.

14. The user interface according to claim 13, wherein each card has an item icon displayed on said obverse face, said item icon being representative of at least one of the card or a status of the card.

15. The user interface according to claims 14, wherein said item icon is associated with a function relating to the card.

16. The user interface according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein each card includes a card border representing a condition of said card, said condition being at least one of a type of item, a status of the card at a point in time, and an availability of recent real-time search results relating to the card.

17. The user interface according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein each card includes a card front for displaying content relating to that card.

18. The user interface according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein each card includes a card back for storing at least one of a property and metadata relating to the card.

19. The user interface according to claim 18, wherein said card back stores a property relating to one of a file type, a file size, a user who created the card, a date the card was created, a time the card was created, and a location at which the card was created.

20. The user interface according to either one of claims 18 and 19, wherein said card back further includes a search results area for displaying search results relating to said card.

21. The user interface according to any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein said graphical user interface displays a List View of said cards, an order of said cards within said List View being determined by said associations between pairs of cards.

22. The user interface according to any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein said graphical user interface displays a Dazzle View of said cards, said Dazzle View providing a view of a plurality of said cards presented in a substantially disruptive pattern in an order determined by said associations between pairs of cards.

23. The user interface according to claim 22, wherein each card overlaps at least one other card or deck in said substantially disruptive pattern.

24. The user interface according to either one of claims 22 and 23, wherein a Master Item is displayed with a different physical appearance. ,

25. The user interface according to any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein said graphical user interface displays an Infinite Grid View of said cards, said Infinite Grid View providing a plurality of said cards aligned with reference to an offset grid in an order determined by said associations between pairs of cards.

26. The user interface according to any one of claim 4, further comprising:

a Shuffle icon, wherein activating said Shuffle icon resets said Master Item and orders said plurality of cards relative to said Master Item.

27. The user interface according to claim 26, wherein activating said Shuffle icon orders said plurality of cards relative to said Master Item in a random manner.

28. The user interface according to claim 26, wherein activating said Shuffle icon orders said plurality of cards relative to said Master Item based on context.

29. A computer readable storage medium having recorded thereon a computer program for directing a processor to execute a method of displaying a graphical user interface for navigating electronic items, said computer program comprising code for performing the steps of: '

storing a plurality of cards, wherein each card is uniquely associated with an electronic item, each card including: anidentifier indicating a position of that card in a

three-dimensional space, and a launch icon for activating at least one function associated with said associated item; and

30. The computer readable storage medium according to claim 29, wherein said computer program further comprises code for performing the step of:

storing a three-dimensional deck, wherein said deck has a volume and a position in said three dimensional space, said deck containing all cards located within said volume.

31. The computer readable storage medium according to claim 29, wherein an association between a pair of first and second cards is represented by the relative position of the first and second cards within the three-dimensional space.

32. A system for implementing a graphical user interface for navigating electronic items, said system comprising:

a memory for storing data and a computer program;

33. The system according to claim 32, wherein an association between a pair of first and second cards is represented by the relative position of the first and second cards within the three-dimensional space.