Communication Coordination System for Distributed Teams
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Solution Overview
Problem
In modern workplaces, determining group awareness and initiating communication among distributed team members across different time zones and cultures is challenging due to limitations in existing communication tools, which hinders collaboration and creativity.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that employs structured interaction models, such as 'Ping' and 'Nudge', to provide timely context-related information about availability and facilitate negotiation on communication channels, combined with multi-channel awareness tools like FXPAL's MyUnity system, allowing users to easily initiate communication across various devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing communication tools (IM, email, phone) are used for distributed collaboration, then workers can communicate across distances, but workers still must manually determine availability and appropriateness of communication channels, which hinders impromptu interactions
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service by automatically determining worker availability and appropriate communication channels based on real-time presence data, eliminating the need for manual determination by workers
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-establishing presence information and communication channel capabilities before workers need to initiate contact, so that when communication is needed, the system can immediately suggest appropriate channels without requiring workers to manually assess availability
2Loss of information
If multiple presence state channels are provided (as in MyUnity system), then workers gain more awareness information, but the system lacks direct facilities to help workers initiate and foster communication among peers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the presence awareness functionality (from systems like MyUnity) with direct communication initiation capabilities by integrating presence data with automated communication channel suggestions, creating a unified system that both informs and enables workers
3Adaptability or versatility
If workers use specialized collaboration tools (video chat, virtual world, social networks), then communication capabilities are enhanced, but determining group awareness becomes more difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically aggregating and processing presence data from multiple sources and specialized tools to determine group awareness, eliminating the time workers would otherwise spend manually checking availability across different platforms
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-implemented method for negotiating a time and a medium for communications between users is described. The method is performed at a server including one or more processors and memory storing one or more programs. The method includes receiving a request from a first user to negotiate a time and a medium for communication with a second user. The request includes a plurality of acceptable mediums of communication. The method also includes generating a first notification based on the request. The first notification includes the plurality of acceptable mediums of communication. The method furthermore includes transmitting the first notification to the second user, and receiving a response to the first notification from the second user. The response indicates whether the second user has accepted one of the acceptable mediums of communication.