Instant Messaging Conversation Switching via Embedded List

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users of instant messaging applications face inconvenience when switching between conversations, as they typically need to close the current conversation, return to a list of contacts, and open another conversation, requiring multiple steps that increase response time.

Innovation Solution

The instant messaging application is configured to display a list of conversations upon selecting an option within the conversation screen, allowing users to navigate quickly between conversations by prioritizing unread messages and recent activity, enabling easy access to ongoing discussions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If users close current conversation and open another from conversation list, then they can switch between conversations, but the switching process requires multiple steps and increases response time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconvenience of switching between conversationsVSAvoidresponse time when switching conversations

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the conversation list view with the active conversation display by embedding a mini conversation list within the conversation screen. This allows users to access multiple conversations without leaving the current conversation context, eliminating the need to navigate back to the main conversation list and reducing switching steps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The conversation interface is segmented into distinct functional areas: the main conversation display area and an embedded mini conversation list. This segmentation allows users to quickly access other conversations through the mini list while maintaining the primary conversation context, enabling faster switching without losing the current conversation state.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If users access conversation list frequently to switch conversations, then they can navigate between conversations, but this interrupts the current conversation flow and reduces responsiveness

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to access multiple conversationsVSAvoidresponsiveness in conversation exchange

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent adds a new dimension to the conversation interface by embedding a mini conversation list within the active conversation screen. This creates a layered interface where users can access multiple conversations ( versatility) without leaving the current conversation context (productivity), effectively solving the contradiction by operating in multiple conversational dimensions simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP2222039B1System and method for switching between conversations in instant messaging applications

Publication Date: 2013.11.20 BLACKBERRY LTD

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AI summary

A system and method are provided for switching between conversations in instant messaging applications. The instant messaging application is configured for displaying a list of conversations upon detecting selection of the option within a menu or link within the conversation screen and permit navigation to another conversation. The conversations may be prioritized based first on whether the conversation has any unread messages and within the grouping of those conversations having unread messages, may be prioritized based on when the last activity occurred. In this way, the user has easiest access to conversations with the most recent activity with the ability to scroll down the list of conversations to continue an older conversation if desired.