Collaborative Online Product Design System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies lack effective systems for collaborative online shopping and design of consumer products, such as footwear and athletic equipment, that allow multiple users to interact and customize products in real-time across different devices and locations.
Innovation Solution
The development of systems and methods that enable collaborative product design and shopping through peer-to-peer communications, using computing devices connected via networks, allowing multiple users to input and modify product designs or selections simultaneously, with features like user interfaces, communication tools, and session management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional online shopping systems are used, then users can shop independently, but collaborative design and real-time interaction between multiple users is not enabled
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the collaborative design process into separate functional modules: user interface generation, real-time communication, product configuration, and session management. Each module operates independently but connects through standardized protocols, enabling collaborative functionality while maintaining manageable system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The platform provides universal access across multiple device types (computers, tablets, smartphones) and supports various collaboration modes (one-on-one, group sessions, expert consultations). The same core system handles diverse scenarios including product customization, design review, and shopping assistance through a unified architecture.
2Productivity
If real-time collaborative design is implemented, then multiple users can modify products simultaneously, but system response time and synchronization may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-configures product parameters, available options, and design constraints before the collaborative session begins. Users receive pre-loaded product information and configuration templates, allowing immediate productive work rather than time-consuming setup during the collaboration.
Solution Approach 2:
Real-time feedback mechanisms automatically synchronize design changes across all user interfaces immediately. The system provides instant visual feedback when users modify product parameters, and automatically updates all participants' views, eliminating synchronization delays and ensuring everyone sees the latest design state.
3Adaptability or versatility
If user interfaces are generated for each participant, then individual customization is possible, but interface generation time and computational resources increase
Solution Approach 1:
User interface templates and base configurations are pre-generated and cached before the collaborative session. Common interface layouts, navigation structures, and product display formats are prepared in advance, allowing the system to quickly customize and deliver individualized interfaces without time-consuming generation during the session.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts interface parameters (such as display options, navigation preferences, and product visualization settings) based on each user's profile and session context rather than generating entirely new interfaces. This parameter-based customization approach maintains interface personalization while significantly reducing computational time and resources required.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple users access the system simultaneously, then collaborative functionality is enabled, but system load and communication overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges multiple user interactions into a unified collaborative session framework. Instead of handling separate independent operations, the system consolidates communication protocols and data structures to efficiently manage multiple users simultaneously, reducing redundant data transmission and optimizing network resource utilization.
Data Source
AI summary
Computer based systems and methods allow collaborative shopping for and/or designing of (e.g., customization) consumer products, such as articles of footwear, apparel, athletic equipment, etc., by plural users using different computing devices. The users' computing devices may be in communication with one another in various manners, such as over networked connections (e.g., a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), an internet connection, etc.); via peer-to-peer communications; through a common server or combination of servers that establish a communications link; etc.). The various parties may participate in an on-line or other computer communicative session to create and buy customized products. Additionally, user interfaces for providing these collaborative sessions are described.