Collaborative Task Ordering in Messaging GUIs by User Capacity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing graphical user interfaces in collaborative messaging applications fail to consider the capability of collaborators, leading to reduced efficiency due to overwhelming presentation of collaborative tasks.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method that identifies collaborative tasks from electronic messages, determines a need-for-action, time-to-act, and time-to-complete, and adjusts the presentation of tasks in the GUI based on a moving average of these factors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If multiple collaborative tasks are presented to users in the graphical user interface, then the completeness of task information is improved, but the user becomes overwhelmed and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments collaborative tasks into different priority levels based on collaboration capacity metrics (time-to-act, time-to-complete, need-for-action). High-priority tasks are prominently displayed while lower-priority tasks are aggregated or hidden, preventing information overload while maintaining task completeness.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the presentation parameters of tasks (visibility, positioning, emphasis) based on calculated collaboration capacity metrics. Tasks are reordered and reprioritized in real-time based on changing parameters like urgency and estimated completion time, optimizing user productivity.
2Loss of time
If collaborative tasks are prioritized based on urgency only, then time-sensitive tasks are identified, but collaborator capability and task complexity are overlooked
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple prioritization factors (time-to-act, time-to-complete, need-for-action, collaborator capacity) into a single comprehensive collaboration capacity metric. This unified approach considers both urgency and task complexity simultaneously, providing a more accurate prioritization than urgency alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors and updates collaboration capacity metrics based on task progress and collaborator performance. This feedback loop allows dynamic adjustment of task prioritization, balancing urgency with actual collaborator capability and task complexity as conditions change.
3Loss of information
If all collaborative tasks are displayed equally in the graphical user interface, then information completeness is maintained, but important tasks may be overlooked
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different visual qualities and presentation styles to different tasks based on their priority level. High-priority tasks receive enhanced visual treatment (prominent positioning, distinctive formatting) while maintaining complete task information, making it easy for users to identify what needs immediate attention without losing information about lower-priority tasks.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-implemented method for organizing tasks presented on a graphical user interface of a computer hardware system for a user includes the following operations. An electronic message associated with a collaborative messaging application executing with the computer hardware system is received. A first collaboration having one or more collaborative tasks is identified from the electronic message. A need-for-action, a time-to-act, and a time-to-complete are determined for the first collaboration. A moving average for the first collaboration is adjusted based upon the need-for-action, the time-to-action, and a time-to-complete. The presentation of the first collaboration within the graphical user interface is altered based upon the moving average.