Linked Contact Record Management via Selective Source Linking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Personal information management (PIM) applications face challenges in effectively managing and presenting contact information from diverse sources, as it often comes from various platforms like social networks, making it difficult for users to organize and maintain accurate and up-to-date contact records.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for managing linked contact records, which allows users to selectively add, remove, and re-store links to contact records from multiple sources, using a user interface that displays a visual indicator for linked records and enters a manage mode for easy management, utilizing a processor and contacts database to integrate information from different sources like social networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If contact information is aggregated from multiple sources, then the completeness of contact records is improved, but the complexity of managing and organizing these records increases
Solution Approach 1:
The contact management system segments contact information by source (e.g., personal device, Facebook, LinkedIn) and presents them as separate linkable records. Users can view and manage each source independently while maintaining the ability to link them together, reducing the perceived complexity of managing aggregated contact data.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary linkage mechanism that connects contact records from different sources without requiring direct integration or merging. This intermediary layer allows users to manage source records independently while still accessing comprehensive contact information through the linking functionality.
2Measurement precision
If contact records from multiple sources are integrated, then the accuracy of contact information is improved, but the difficulty of detecting and managing linked records increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses visual indicators (such as icons, color coding, or visual markers) to indicate when a contact record is linked to multiple sources. This visual feedback mechanism makes it easy for users to detect linked records at a glance and understand their status without complex interactions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides feedback to users about the linked status of contact records through visual indicators and interactive elements. When users interact with linked records, the system responds by showing which sources are connected and allowing easy modification of these links, making management intuitive despite the complexity of multiple sources.
3Ease of operation
If users can selectively manage linked contact records, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables users to perform contact management operations directly through intuitive interface elements without requiring complex configuration or administrative procedures. Users can independently add, remove, or modify links between contact records using simple gestures or clicks, making the system easy to operate despite its underlying complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The contact record linkage structure is designed to be dynamic and adaptable, allowing users to modify connections between sources as needed. The system automatically adjusts the state of linked records based on user actions, providing flexibility and ease of operation without requiring users to understand the underlying system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides for management of linked contact records containing information from multiple source records. User interfaces and methodologies for displaying and managing a linked contact record of a contact allow the linked contact record to be readily and selectively managed. A user can interact with a user interface in order to selectively add, remove, and re-store links to a linked contact record of a contact.