Notification Delivery Timing Adjustment Based on User Availability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Many notifications in computing systems are not effectively displayed or perceived by users due to factors like being overshadowed by other notifications, device unavailability, power issues, or network connectivity problems, leading to missed reminders and alerts.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that analyze user behavior and availability to determine the probability of successful notification delivery, adjusting the delivery time or method to ensure the notification is received, such as delivering it earlier if the user is unlikely to be available at the scheduled time or using alternative devices/networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If notifications are delivered at the scheduled time, then the notification is delivered on time, but the user may not be available to perceive it
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary analysis of user availability patterns and proactively adjusts notification delivery timing before the scheduled time. By predicting when the user is likely to be available based on historical behavior data, the system delivers notifications in advance of the original scheduled time, ensuring the user will actually perceive the notification rather than having it delivered when the user is unavailable.
2Reliability
If notifications are delivered frequently, then the user receives all important updates, but the user may be overwhelmed and miss notifications
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different notification delivery strategies tailored to individual users based on their unique availability patterns and behavior characteristics. Rather than using a uniform delivery approach for all users, the system analyzes each user's specific patterns (such as when they are typically available, their response times, and their notification preferences) to customize the optimal delivery timing and frequency for each individual, thereby reducing overload while maintaining reliability.
3Reliability
If the notification delivery time is adjusted based on user availability, then the likelihood of user perception increases, but the delivery timing becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service by having users implicitly provide the information needed for optimal notification delivery through their own behavioral patterns. Users don't need to manually configure their preferences or availability schedules; instead, the system automatically learns and adapts to their patterns over time by analyzing when they are typically available, how they respond to notifications, and their usage behaviors. This automated adaptation reduces the complexity burden on both the system and the user while maintaining high delivery reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes obtaining, at one or more computers, information regarding a notification to be delivered to a device associated with a user at a first time, obtaining, at the one or more computers, information associated with the user, and determining, at the one or more computers, a probability that the user will be available at the first time based on the information associated with the user. If the probability that the user will be available at the first time is below a threshold, the method includes delivering the notification to the device associated with the user at a second time prior to the first time.