In-Feed Purchasing via API Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current online and mobile payment systems require users to leave their information feeds to access and purchase products, leading to a cumbersome process that can result in lost sales for merchants and inconvenience for consumers.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that allows users to purchase products directly within their information feeds by selecting a product link, retrieving product information, displaying a purchase selector, and executing the purchase without leaving the feed, utilizing an information feed provider, payment service provider, and merchant collaboration through APIs and networked systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If users click on a hyperlink in an information post to access a merchant website, then they can purchase the product, but they must leave the information feed and launch a web browser application which is time consuming and bothersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the purchasing functionality directly into the information feed by integrating a payment service provider's application programming interface (API) with the feed. This allows users to complete purchases without leaving the feed environment, combining the information consumption and purchasing actions into a single unified interface, thereby eliminating the need to launch separate web browser applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a payment service provider as an intermediary between the user and the merchant. This intermediary handles the transaction processing, authentication, and payment execution within the feed environment, mediating the purchase process so users don't need to navigate to merchant websites while still enabling secure transactions.
2Productivity
If users search for a merchant website using a search engine to buy a product, then they can find the merchant, but the process is time consuming and may lead to lost sales
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-integrating merchant information and purchasing capabilities directly into the information feed posts. When a product is mentioned in an information post, the associated merchant details and purchase options are already embedded and accessible, eliminating the need for users to perform separate search actions to locate the merchant.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the purchasing process requires launching a web browser application, then users can access the merchant website, but this adds complexity to the purchasing workflow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the information feed application universal by enabling it to perform both information display and e-commerce transaction functions. The feed application becomes a multi-functional platform that can consume information and complete purchases within the same environment, reducing the need for users to switch between different applications for different tasks.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments described herein disclose a system and method for providing an improved user experience for purchasing a product within an information feed. An information feed is displayed which includes an information post having a product link or otherwise referencing a product. A selection of the product link or the referenced product is received, and product information for a product associated with the product link or referenced product is retrieved. The product information and a purchase selector are displayed within the information feed, in association with the information post. A selection of the purchase selector is received. User payment information is retrieved and displayed in association with the information post in the information feed. User payment information is transmitted, based on a received confirmation from a user. The purchase is then executed, and a confirmation message may be displayed.