Searchable Messages in Group Communication Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
In group-based communication platforms, non-members often face delays in accessing information shared in private sub-groups due to members not remembering or having access to the requested information, leading to inefficiencies and reliance on peers for data retrieval.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a search tool that allows users to designate messages as searchable, enabling non-members to locate information by inputting keywords, with optional approval mechanisms from sub-group members to maintain privacy and confidentiality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If information is shared in private sub-groups, then data privacy and security are maintained, but information accessibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments information accessibility by creating different levels: fully private sub-group messages and searchable messages that are selectively accessible. Non-members can search for and access specific messages without having access to the entire sub-group communication, thus maintaining privacy while enabling controlled information retrieval.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (searchable message feature) between the private sub-group and non-members. This intermediary allows non-members to request and retrieve specific information without direct access to the sub-group, mediating between privacy protection and information accessibility needs.
2Measurement precision
If members manually provide requested information, then information accuracy is maintained, but time efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by allowing members to proactively designate messages as searchable in advance. Instead of waiting for non-members to request information, members pre-mark important messages for potential retrieval, eliminating the need for manual response and significantly reducing time delays while maintaining information accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables non-members to self-serve by directly searching for and retrieving messages without requiring member intervention. Non-members can independently locate and access information they need, eliminating the time-consuming back-and-forth communication while ensuring they receive accurate information directly from the source.
3Ease of operation
If all messages are made searchable, then information accessibility improves, but data privacy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making only specific messages searchable rather than all messages in the sub-group. Members can selectively designate individual messages or specific types of messages as searchable, ensuring that only appropriate information is accessible to non-members while maintaining privacy protection for other communications.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques for locating information previously shared via a virtual space of a communication platform are disclosed herein. For example, the communication platform may receive, at the virtual space associated with a first user and a second user, a message containing one or more keywords. Based at least in part on receiving an indication from one of the first user or the second user, the communication platform may determine that the message is a searchable message. In some examples, the communication platform may then receive, from a third user of the communication platform unassociated with the virtual space, a request to access one or more messages associated with a keyword of one or more keywords. Based at least in part on receiving the request, the communication platform may cause presentation, to the third user, of at least a portion of the searchable message.