Electronic Forum Voting Mechanism for Idea Prioritization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional electronic collaboration methods lack effective mechanisms for idea generation, evaluation, and customer relationship management, leading to inefficiencies in idea validation and resource allocation.

Innovation Solution

A system and method that utilize a computing environment with a web server hosting an electronic forum, allowing users to submit, vote on, and evaluate ideas, with features like value-added-based voting and real-time notifications, integrated with customer relationship management (CRM) data to streamline idea generation and evaluation processes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional electronic collaboration methods are used, then basic communication is possible, but idea generation and evaluation efficiency is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveidea generation and evaluation efficiencyVSAvoidsystem structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the idea management process into distinct functional modules: idea submission, voting mechanisms (including value-added-based voting), evaluation workflows, and CRM integration. Each module operates independently but connects through standardized interfaces, improving efficiency without requiring complete system redesign.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The electronic forum platform provides multi-functional capabilities including idea submission, multiple voting methods (simple voting, value-added-based voting), evaluation workflows, notification systems, and CRM data integration within a single unified system, eliminating the need for multiple separate tools.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If simple voting mechanisms are used, then ease of participation is improved, but idea evaluation precision is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveidea evaluation precisionVSAvoidvoting process simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system offers dynamic voting mechanisms that adapt to different evaluation needs. Users can select between simple voting for quick assessments and value-added-based voting for more rigorous evaluation. The system automatically adjusts the voting workflow based on idea priority, category, and organizational policies.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The voting system allows modification of evaluation parameters such as vote weight, voting thresholds, and scoring criteria based on idea characteristics. Value-added-based voting enables participants to assign different vote values based on their expertise, resource control, or idea relevance, thereby improving evaluation precision while maintaining operational flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Speed

If real-time notifications are implemented, then information flow speed is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation flow speedVSAvoidnotification system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The notification system operates autonomously by automatically detecting idea submissions, voting activities, and evaluation milestones, then generating and distributing appropriate notifications to relevant stakeholders without requiring manual intervention. The system self-manages notification routing based on user profiles, idea categories, and organizational hierarchies.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Adaptability or versatility

If integrated CRM data is used, then customer relationship management is improved, but data integration complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecustomer relationship management capabilityVSAvoiddata integration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs an intermediary integration layer that connects the electronic forum with CRM databases through standardized APIs. This intermediary handles data mapping, format conversion, and synchronization protocols, enabling seamless CRM integration without requiring direct complex connections between disparate systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS10459602B2Method and system for electronic collaboration
Publication Date: 2019.10.29 YAPMO LLC
  • US10459602B2 patent drawing
  • US10459602B2 patent drawing
  • US10459602B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An electronic collaboration system via which a plurality of users can post and view content, rapidly located desired content, and be notified of new content in real time.