In-App Commerce SDK for Seamless Third-Party Purchases
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face inconvenience when trying to purchase items from third-party services within mobile applications, as they often need to leave the current app and switch to another app or install additional apps, causing delays and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
Implementing in-app commerce functionality that allows users to select and purchase items from third-party merchants directly within the publisher app, using a software development kit (SDK) to connect with a backend service for inventory information and payment processing, eliminating the need to leave the app or install additional apps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If users switch to a separate third-party app to purchase items, then they can access the service provider application, but they experience delay and inconvenience
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the publisher application and service provider application into a unified interface where the publisher app displays content from multiple service providers. Users can browse and purchase items from third-party services without leaving the publisher app, merging the functionality of multiple applications into one seamless experience.
Solution Approach 2:
The publisher application acts as an intermediary between users and service provider applications. It receives content feeds from multiple service providers, processes the information, and presents it to users within the publisher app's interface, eliminating the need for users to directly access separate service provider applications.
2Adaptability or versatility
If users install additional third-party apps to access services, then they can use the service provider application, but they experience inconvenience and delay
Solution Approach 1:
The publisher application provides universal access to multiple service provider applications through a single interface. It aggregates content from various service providers (e.g., ride-sharing, food delivery, entertainment) and allows users to access all these services without installing separate applications, making the publisher app a multi-functional platform.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functionality of multiple service provider applications into the publisher application by receiving and displaying content feeds from different providers. This consolidation allows users to access diverse services through one app, eliminating the need to install and switch between multiple applications.
3Reliability
If users leave the current mobile app to purchase items, then they can access the service provider application, but they experience interruption in workflow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges service provider content and purchasing functionality directly into the publisher application's interface. Users can complete entire purchase workflows without leaving the publisher app, maintaining their workflow continuity while accessing third-party services.
Solution Approach 2:
The publisher application serves as an intermediary that handles all interactions with service provider applications within its own interface. It receives product information, processes user selections, and manages transactions without requiring users to switch applications, thereby maintaining workflow efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
At least one next-action relevant to a publisher application and at least one service provider application associated with the at least one next-action is received at the publisher application and from a backend service. The at least one next-action is rendered, where a user's interaction with the rendered at least one next-action enables the user to preview inventory information from the at least one service provider application and to place an order. Payment information of the user is received at the publisher application and from a payment provider. The order and the payment information is sent to the service provider application though the backend service, and a status of the order is presented to the user.