Embedding External App UI Components in Host Interfaces

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users face challenges in learning and interacting with new functionality in interaction platforms when the user interface differs from existing interfaces, and there is a need to drive users to new platform features effectively.

Innovation Solution

Existing applications utilize user interface components of new applications within their own screens, allowing users to interact with familiar interfaces while introducing new features, such as embedding video shorts functionality within text message interfaces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If new functionality is added to interaction platforms, then the platform provides more features and capabilities, but users face difficulties in learning and interacting with the new functionality due to different user interfaces

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoidease of use

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent embeds the user interface components of the new application (video shorts) within the existing application (messaging app). The new functionality is nested inside the familiar interface structure, allowing users to access new features through the known interface paradigm rather than learning a completely new interface

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The existing application acts as an intermediary layer between the user and the new functionality. Users interact with the new video shorts feature through the familiar messaging app interface, which mediates the interaction and translates user actions into the new functionality context

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If users are introduced to new functionality with different user interfaces, then new features become available, but user experience deteriorates due to the learning curve and unfamiliarity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenew featuresVSAvoiduser experience

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different interface qualities to different regions or functions within the application. The messaging functionality maintains its original interface quality and interaction patterns, while the embedded video shorts feature uses a adapted interface that leverages the familiar messaging context, creating locally optimized user experiences for each function

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS20250094042A1Implementing user interfaces of other applications

Publication Date: 2025.03.20 SNAP INC

AI summary

A first application uses a user interface (UI) component of a second application to determine a user intent based on user input and then determines an action to perform based on the determined user intent. The first application makes it easier for the user to learn the UI of the second application. Example methods include a first application displaying a first content item, the first content item being content of the first application, and the first application displaying a second content item, the second content item being content of a second application. The method may further include in response to a second selection of a second user interface item associated with the second content item, the first application, determining a user intent and an action associated with the user intent based on a second user interface, the second user interface associated with the second application.