Mobile Device Application Provisioning at Initialization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pre-installing applications on computing devices before delivery can result in unwanted software for the end-user and misses opportunities for application publishers to provide desired applications.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for providing applications to devices during initialization, allowing users to select from a set of promoted applications, with options for silent or user-approved installation, and dynamic real-time updates, using a management server that determines and offers applications based on user segments and promotional parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If applications are pre-installed on devices before delivery, then device functionality is enhanced, but users receive unwanted software and experience dissatisfaction
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by preparing and offering applications during device initialization, but delays actual installation until the user approves or the silent installation criteria are met. This allows the system to enhance device functionality with relevant applications while avoiding user dissatisfaction by not forcing unwanted software installation.
2Productivity
If applications are pre-installed by manufacturers or network operators, then promotional opportunities are provided, but the window of opportunity is missed and users are irritated
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically determines installation approach (silent vs. user-approved) based on real-time conditions and user preferences. Applications are offered during initialization with dynamic parameters including user segment identification, promotional timing, and installation type selection, allowing promotional opportunities to be captured without irritating users through forced installation.
3Productivity
If silent installation is performed without user selection, then installation efficiency is improved, but users may receive unwanted applications
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where user preferences, selections, and behaviors are captured during device initialization and subsequent usage. This feedback is used to refine silent installation criteria, ensuring that applications installed without explicit user approval are still aligned with user preferences, thus maintaining both installation efficiency and user preference matching.
4Ease of operation
If user selection is required for each application, then user control is enhanced, but installation time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial user selection by requiring user approval only for certain applications based on predefined criteria, while allowing silent installation for others. This partial action approach balances user control with installation efficiency, avoiding excessive time loss while maintaining necessary user oversight.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method are provided for installing applications on a mobile device at first device initialization. An installation client communicates with a management server at an initial start-up state of a mobile device. The management server identifies a set of applications that are available for installation on the client device, and provides the installation files to the device. The management server selects certain client devices for certain applications based on user segments, allowing customization of applications according to user data. This initialization-installation of application programs allows the user to have the experience of having access to pre-installed applications at device initialization, while allowing application providers and mobile network operators real-time management of application programs being offered, without requiring pre-installing a bundle of applications on a device prior to device distribution.