Social Network Virtual Shopping Cart Purchase Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users of social networking systems face disruptions when trying to purchase or gather information about products advertised within the platform, as they often need to leave the platform to access additional information or complete a purchase, leading to a decline in user interest and action.
Innovation Solution
Integrating a feature that allows users to add products to a virtual shopping cart or purchase directly within the social networking system without redirecting them away from the platform, by associating product information with a product node and providing selectable options within the platform's communications, such as 'Add to Cart' or 'Purchase' buttons.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If users are redirected to separate websites or applications to purchase products or learn more about advertised products, then users can access additional product information and complete purchases, but user experience is disrupted and user interest may fade
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the commerce functionality with the social networking platform by integrating product advertising, information display, and purchase capabilities within the same application. Users can view product advertisements in their news feed, access product details, and complete purchases without leaving the social networking application, thereby maintaining user experience continuity while enabling complete commerce transactions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism in the form of a virtual shopping cart system that bridges the social networking platform and external merchant websites. The shopping cart allows users to select products from advertisements, store them temporarily, and initiate purchase workflows within the social networking application, reducing the need for users to immediately redirect to external sites and maintaining engagement.
2Productivity
If users are required to shift focus away from the social networking system to purchase products, then product purchase can be completed, but user engagement with the social networking system decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by allowing users to add products to their virtual shopping cart directly from product advertisements within the social networking feed. This preliminary selection and storage of products enables users to maintain their browsing flow without immediate redirection, while still progressing toward purchase completion. The shopping cart persists product selections, allowing users to return to purchasing at their convenience.
3Loss of information
If product information is displayed through social networking communications, then product visibility and marketing reach increase, but users cannot easily access or purchase products without leaving the platform
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by making the social networking platform serve multiple functions: social interaction, product advertising, product information display, virtual shopping cart management, and purchase initiation. The same interface and user environment handle both social content and commerce activities, eliminating the need for users to switch applications while providing comprehensive product information and purchase capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to marketing products through a social networking system. More specifically, one or more embodiments of the present invention relate to allowing social networking users to purchase products through the social networking system and to add products to shopping carts associated with third-party merchants.