Assistant App Merging Application Interfaces to Reduce Context Switching
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Business enterprises face inefficiencies and cognitive load due to frequent context switching between multiple applications, with users spending significant time switching between apps rather than focusing on productivity.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method that allows users to access and interact with functions of a second application from within a compact window over a first application without switching contexts, using an assistant application and web browser to invoke API calls and update the workspace accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If users switch between multiple applications to perform tasks, then they can access different application functions, but they experience increased cognitive load and productivity loss due to frequent context switching
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple application interfaces into a single unified window, allowing users to access functions of different applications (e.g., email, calendar, contacts) without switching between separate application windows. This merging approach maintains versatility while eliminating the need for context switching, directly resolving the contradiction between accessing different application functions and maintaining productivity
2Adaptability or versatility
If users switch between multiple applications to perform tasks, then they can access different application functions, but they spend excessive time switching contexts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple application interfaces into a single unified window that displays and allows interaction with different application functions simultaneously. This eliminates the time-consuming process of switching between separate application windows while maintaining full access to diverse application functions, directly addressing the time loss issue
3Productivity
If users access a second application from within the first application context, then context switching is minimized, but the system complexity increases due to API integration requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary assistant application that acts as a mediator between the first application and the second application. This intermediary handles the complex API integration and communication protocols, shielding the end user from the underlying system complexity while enabling seamless access to the second application's functions within the first application's context
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-implemented method executed using an assistant application and a web browser hosted or executed using a first computer, the computer-implemented method comprising receiving a first signal that first application is executing, with text within a workspace of the first application; receiving a second signal that a control was selected; instantiating and causing displaying an app actions window comprising at least one app label respectively corresponding to at least one second application; receiving input from the first computer specifying a selection of the at least one app label; updating the app actions window to display one or more app-specific widgets corresponding to widgets, fields, or functions available in the second application; receiving data entered into and/or selection(s) of one or more of the one or more app-specific widgets; programmatically invoking one or more application programming interface (API) calls of the second application using the data and/or selections; receiving one or more response(s) from API call(s) to the second application; updating the workspace of the first application based upon the one or more response(s). The method enables a user's computer to access functions of a second application from within a compact window over a first application without switching context to interact with the second application in a separate window or tab.