Contextual Solicitation in Starter Applications
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users of starter software applications may not appreciate the additional capabilities of the full version, leading to a lower likelihood of upgrading, as they are unaware of the benefits until they encounter deficiencies in performing certain functions.
Innovation Solution
Implementing contextual solicitations by the starter application to monitor user input and ascertain opportunities for upgrading, prompting users to purchase the full version or related software enhancements, such as templates or tutorials, based on their usage patterns and needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a starter application with reduced capabilities is provided, then users can immediately use the computing device and gain familiarity with the software, but users may not appreciate the additional capabilities of the full version and are less likely to upgrade
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by monitoring user input and ascertaining upgrade opportunities before the user encounters deficiencies. The starter application proactively identifies when users might benefit from full version capabilities and presents upgrade solicitations at opportune moments, rather than waiting for users to discover limitations on their own.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by monitoring user input and using that information to dynamically determine when to present upgrade solicitations. The starter application observes user behavior patterns and provides timely feedback about available full version capabilities that are relevant to the user's current activities, making the upgrade value proposition contextually relevant.
2Productivity
If the starter application monitors user input and provides contextual solicitations, then the likelihood of upgrading increases, but the device complexity and processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The starter application performs self-service by automatically monitoring its own usage patterns and autonomously determining when upgrade solicitations should be presented. The application uses its own operational data to identify upgrade opportunities without requiring external analysis or intervention, reducing the need for complex external systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes parameters by adjusting the timing and content of upgrade solicitations based on monitored user behavior. Rather than using a fixed solicitation schedule, the application dynamically modifies when and how upgrade information is presented, optimizing conversion while managing system complexity through adaptive parameter adjustment.
Data Source
AI summary
A reduced capability subset of an application referred to as a “starter application” is provided on a computer device prior to purchase and intended for use by a user purchasing the computer device. The starter application may monitor input from the user when the starter application is executing to ascertain opportunities to inform the user of an upgrade and then solicit the user for purchasing the upgrade. The starter application may use a limited access browser to contact a server to assist in the solicitation and complete the transaction. Upon completing the transaction, the upgrade is provided to the computing device. The upgrade may comprise the full capability version of the application, templates, clip art, or other software. The upgrade may entail transmitting the upgrade to the computer device or providing an authorization key to unlock the upgrade that is already stored on the computer device.