App Carousel Interface for Thematic App Discovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face difficulty in discovering useful apps among the vast number of options available in app stores, as existing technologies lack effective organization and recommendation methods, leading to a cumbersome navigation process.
Innovation Solution
A carousel-based graphical user interface that allows third-party suppliers to group apps by theme or subject matter, enabling them to create and promote app carousels with reviews and comments, which can be accessed on various devices, including smartphones, tablets, and televisions, with icons appearing larger at the front and smaller at the back of an inclined rotational track, facilitating easy selection and download.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If apps are displayed in a traditional app store format, then users have access to a large number of apps, but users struggle to discover and navigate useful apps among the clutter
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments apps into thematic categories and organizes them into carousel displays grouped by subject matter. This divides the large quantity of apps into manageable, theme-based sections, making it easier for users to navigate and discover relevant applications without being overwhelmed by the entire app store contents.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a traditional flat app store grid to a three-dimensional carousel display that rotates and presents apps dynamically. This dimensional change adds visual engagement and organizational structure, allowing users to explore apps through rotational movement while they are grouped by theme, thereby improving discoverability.
2Ease of manufacture
If third-party suppliers create customized app carousels, then app organization and promotion improve, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables third-party suppliers to create and manage their own customized carousels through self-service tools. Suppliers can independently group apps by theme, add reviews and comments, and configure their carousels without requiring extensive system intervention. This self-service capability simplifies the overall system architecture while still allowing for customized app organization and promotion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal carousel platform that can be used across multiple devices and contexts. The same carousel infrastructure supports various functions including app display, thematic organization, review integration, and social media sharing. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized systems, thereby managing complexity while enhancing ease of manufacture.
3Device complexity
If app icons are displayed at uniform sizes, then the interface is simple, but visual engagement and app prominence are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality variation by displaying app icons at different sizes within the carousel. Icons at the front of the rotating carousel are displayed larger to emphasize prominence and encourage selection, while icons at the back are displayed smaller. This size differentiation adds visual engagement and guides user attention without significantly complicating the overall interface structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for providing an application carousel includes providing a self-service website for a third party partner supplier to create, select or group apps in a unique app carousel created by the supplier in the website. Blogs, reviews or comments may be provided in association with a GUI of the app carousel to promote the app carousel. The supplier populates the app carousel with app icons which may be rotated about a looped carousel display track. The app carousel is then exposed for location by consumers via their electronic devices and associated browsers.