DESC:SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DESIGNING A SPACE AND FACILITATING COMMUNICATION BETWEEN USERS
Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to the field of architecture and interior designing and more specifically to a system and method for designing, creating, viewing and showcasing detailed information regarding the interior and exterior decoration of a space and includes creation of a two-dimensional representation of the interior design and the options of purchase of interior and exterior decoration products and facilitation of interaction between various users.
Background of the invention
Some of the main challenges faced by homeowners and architects/interior designers while constructing/designing spaces are:
• Lack of effective communication between architects, homeowners, team members & vendors;
• Difficulty in finding reliable architects, interior designers, contractors, vendors who will provide quality service/product in a given budget at a given location;
• Ascertaining availability of products from vendors and determining lead times for scheduling deliveries and installations;
• Means to compare a particular product from different vendors. Product information from different vendors may be inconsistent or incomplete, making it difficult to compare products on a level playing field. Users may struggle to compare costs across different vendors when pricing structures and quotes are not consistent. Products from different vendors may have different technical specifications, which may impact their performance and suitability for a particular design project.

Vendors supplying products relating to architecture/interior design may face struggles with:
• Connecting with architects, reaching a wide range of homeowners, difficulty in raising awareness of products and services among architects through offline marketing;
• Print advertising and trade show participation may be expensive and may not be effective in reaching a large number of architects;
• It may be difficult for vendors to measure the impact of their offline marketing efforts, making it difficult to determine the return on investment and refine their strategies.

Some of the issues homeowners encounter are:
• Finding good and relevant inspirations from a basic description and finding products falling within a budget, matching these inspirations.
• Finding architects or interior designers for the required design at the right price, especially since there is no access to talented new designers whose information or portfolio is not available digitally since currently existing platforms only give basic details of the designers;
• Product information or moodboard designing is not done, all on a single platform, a moodboard being a visual representation of a design idea;
• Information provided on currently existing platforms is specifically designed to help architects or designers who have prior knowledge and understanding of the products. There are either limited or no options provided to search from a homeowner’s point of view, for example, in a combination of a particular theme, material and color;
• Limited reach to vendors.

Attempts in the past to address these problems have been unable to provide an integrated system to assist a homeowner/architect/vendor with the above detailed issues. Existing online platforms mainly aim to solve the issues faced by architects and their vendors. The currently available websites exist mostly in the furniture industry.

US20130073420A1 provides options of images to select from to understand the homeowner preferences. According to the budget preferred, the home owners are shown a look book with options which the homeowner may use to select the final products and accordingly, place the order for that particular product. Homeowners may add images from other websites with the help of the doodle bar. The homeowners are given an option to select the designers for their space from data available on the website.
US 6,572,377 B2 provides homeowners the option of choosing the color, style and furniture in the house. Homeowners are provided recommendations and they may place orders directly from the website/platform.
The present invention provides a platform that not only provides the above services but also provides the option to the architects/interior designers to manage their entire project communicate with their teams, clients and vendors on the online platform which speeds up the designing process without any information gap between the involved parties. Architects may create entire moodboards which they may share with their team members and their clients. Architects and homeowners will be able to compare and choose from products from different vendors on a single platform. Further, architects and homeowners may connect directly with vendors on the platform to obtain quotations, information on availability of the products or any other technical details they may require. With a single click, a user will be redirected to the external vendor’s website for purchasing a product or obtaining further information on the product.
Homeowners may select an architect/interior designer from the designer section on the basis of past projects of the architect/interior designer, displayed on the platform.
With regard to vendors, all the activity of the users (including architects, interior designers and homeowners) designing the space is captured and converted into analytics/reports to be used by vendors to make future business decisions. The platform will provide vendors with a dashboard that presents market trends, product performance, and geographic data. Vendors may showcase their products and track their reports in an organized manner. Information will be displayed through audio/visual or detailed text formats.
Summary of the invention

The present invention confers several benefits over conventional systems and methods for providing digital interaction with two-dimensional moodboard with sub-space model representation. It is an object of the present invention to:
Provide a system which will help users create live data regarding the designing of a space with a communication interface; Provide a method for creating and presenting reports based on the data collected from the users of the online platform; Create two-dimensional representation of the interior design to allow a user to directly visualize interior spaces with color, materials, themes and images without waiting for a 3D rendered view; Provide the option of interaction between various users; Provide digital interaction with a generated two-dimensional sub-space model representation of an indoor space; Perform visual search for products; Find inspirations from a preset list which will be updated on a regular basis; Find matching products in the given budget range; Facilitate and streamline the vendor process of listing products, targeted offering of products to users and supplying selected products; Showcase a vendor dashboard which will have all the data given in diced and sliced format for the vendors to make business decisions on the basis of the data showcased.
Brief description of the Drawings
Fig. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a system for designing a space and facilitating communication between users in accordance with the embodiments of the invention
Fig. 2 is a flowchart illustrating a method of a decorating a space
Fig. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a method of hiring an Architect/Interior Designer
Fig. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a method of approving quotations for products
Fig. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a method of conducting visual search for products
Fig. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a method of building and publishing a digital portfolio
Fig. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a method of adding team members for a project
Fig. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a method of importing colors/materials/themes from pre-existing moodboards
Fig. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a method of creating a digital/virtual showroom for the vendor
Fig. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a method of launching new vendor products on the platform
Fig. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a method of updating inventory list and viewing key metrics on a vendor dashboard
Fig. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a method of placing a price bid by a vendor

Detailed description of the Invention
In describing the embodiments of the invention, specific terminology is used for the sake of clarity. However, it is not intended that the invention be limited to the specific terms so selected and it is to be understood that each specific term includes all technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose.
As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.
As used herein, the terms “comprising” “including” “having” “containing” “involving” and the like are understood to mean including but not limited to.
The terms “preferred” and “preferably” refer to embodiments of the invention that may afford certain benefits, under certain circumstances.
All processes described herein can be performed in suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (for example “such as”) provided with respect to certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed.
The present system comprises of a first set of computing devices used by architects and homeowners and a second set of computing devices used by the vendors. The system comprises a platform including but not limited to the moodboard, said platform accessible from all computing devices as the entire database will be accessible from the internet via website or mobile app. The system further includes computing devices used by the administrator’s team, an artificial intelligence model, a storage system for all the information/details provided by the vendors at the beginning and the storage required by the architects/homeowners while using the invention. The system will further include an interactive communication network.
The method for designing a space and facilitating communication between user comprises a first step of the platform capturing initial details and options selected by the architects/homeowners on the basis of their requirements in designing a particular space. The space may include a new home, home renovation, office, restaurant, an outer space, etc. To begin with, an architect, interior designer or a home owner inputs the required details into the system. Corresponding to the details provided by the user in the first step, the system displays inspirations for the desired space from the database. On selection of an inspiration by the user, matching products are displayed from a product list in the database. The platform is integrated with artificial intelligence and machine learning for finding the best products matching the requirements of the users. The system communicates with the information module and the storage system and the data is analyzed by an analytics engine in coordination with the artificial intelligence system. The artificial intelligence system understands the requirements of the user based on basic user inputs. The AI system scans the entire storage system of products and accordingly showcases matching products. The artificial intelligence takes into consideration the location of the user (from the data input). The machine learning model showcases the options preferred by other users of that location for a given budget. This would be the real time live data which has been updated by the vendor. Any change in the product details or availability will be regularly updated by the vendor.

The user has the options of selecting, comparing, calling for quotations, sharing the information with the team/ family members or the client. The platform is configured to keep a tab on the costs of the selected products. This budgeting feature will help users to complete designing the space on the basis of their inspiration in their budget range. The platform also has an option of buying the product which redirects to the vendor’s external page to complete the purchase. This entire journey of any user using the platform will be captured and this data will be stored in a database.

With regard to the vendor user, the data will be presented in the form of a dashboard that will help in understanding current market trends, how a particular product is working in the given market, how a product is doing in a given geographical location, and will also show comparative data vis-à-vis competitors. The vendors may showcase their product range in a much more organized manner and track their marketing spend on the platform in a very systematic manner. This information will be displaced in an audio/visual format or in text format.
In a scenario where additional information regarding a product is required from the vendors, a bid management system on the platform will be utilized to provide responses to the queries sent by the architects/homeowners. The vendor uses the present platform to communicate with the architect/homeowner and provide responses to the queries. The architect/homeowner will have the option of involving the administrators team as a mediator or else directly communicate with the vendors.
The second set of computing devices collects this data and an analytics engine computes the data and converts it into information that can be used by the vendor. This data will be stored in an analytics column store database hosted in the cloud. Separately, the data which will be given by vendor to create the information module will be handled by the administrator’s team. This information module will hold all the data to be used by the architect/homeowner. This data will be stored in an analytical column store database hosted in the cloud.
The digital assets of the platform will include all existing details, such as the product information and existing audio/visual representations provided by the companies. These details will be stored in an object store hosted in the cloud. Details of various projects and moodboards created by any of the architects or homeowners or any other information captured on the website will be stored in a NoSQL database hosted in the cloud.
The information module will store details of the various different products of the vendors. This data will be given by the vendors and authorized by the administrator’s team. The information module will be stored in text, visual image, video, audio, etc. formats as per details provided. The information module details will be stored in an object store hosted in the cloud.
In accordance with an embodiment of this invention an artificial intelligence module will select and create a list of products in the required format, meeting all requirements of the architects/homeowners. This list will be stored, shared or displayed as per the preference of the users. The data will be stored in the analytical column store database hosted in the cloud. Different sets of information will be categorically stored and further shared with the people that the user has selected.
All of this information will be kept in different moodboards on an architect’s or interior designer’s profile. The user will have the option of making the profile private or public. This will enable the user to use their portfolio of moodboards, to create a digital portfolio to share with other architects or homeowners. This sharable digital portfolio may help in getting new employment opportunities or new projects. This information will be separately stored on the web servers. Architects/interior designers will be able to share their profile URLs with different people.

In accordance with an embodiment of this invention, users will have an option of comparing two different products on one single platform, with the benefit of saving time and energy which would be wasted in finding the detailed information separately as on currently existing platforms. Further, information regarding stock availability of the products will also be made available to the users. Alternatively, an option will be provided of using the communication model to get the desired detailed information regarding stock availability from the vendor. On-demand real-time information about the availability of the desired product is accessible through the platform.

The communication network used for communication between different sets of users or between the users and the system, may be either a wired or a wireless network.

The system operates using a combination of client-side and server-side components. Users access the platform through various devices with processors and RAM configurations (e.g., smartphones, laptops, PDAs, smart devices) via a website or mobile application compatible with popular operating systems (e.g., Android, iOS). Network connectivity is established through Network 104, which may be an intranet, LAN, WAN, or the internet, using protocols like HTTP, TCP/IP, and WAP.

On the server-side, cloud/server/computing devices with x86 processors and sufficient RAM, power the backend services. Node.js API services deployed and managed by PM2 facilitate communication between the user interface and the database. The server-side infrastructure connects to user devices through Network 104 using the same protocols mentioned earlier (HTTP, TCP/IP, and WAP).

Network infrastructure utilizes routers, switches, and access points depending on the network type (wireless, wired, or combined) to manage data flow. Network operating systems and protocols ensure efficient data flow within the Archstore system.

Types of Users of the System:
The system caters to four types of users:
1. User A – User A denotes architects and may include a Professional (for e.g. Interior Designer, Structural Architect, Project Manager) or an Interior Designing/Architectural Student who interacts with the User Interface to create a digital Moodboard for pitching, profile building and tracking live projects and collaborating with internal team for a particular homeowner. Further, options for communication between different Users A is also available, that is, User A team members may communicate with each other or add comments for others.

2. User H: User H denotes homeowners or owners of any space who require designing/redesigning of the interiors or exteriors of their homes/spaces. User H includes a Home-owner, Office owner or Restaurant Owner who interacts with the User Interface (For User A or H) to approve budgets, visualize the designed space, track progress and comment in the comment boxes for User A. For example, if a User A creates a moodboard as instructed by User H, User A while sharing the selection of products and the related costs may share this information with User A’s team or User H.
User H may also create their project on the platform and find the products in their location and budget. User H may also comment, approve budget changes, visualize progress of the designed space and if required, comment on any aspect of the project.

3. User V: User V denotes entities that have multiple product lines that may be used within a design requirement specified by User A or User H. User V may be a Vendor/Manufacturer (manufacturer, supplier, merchant, retailer, wholesaler, distributor) who interacts with a Vendor User Interface.

4. User Community:
User H community: User H community denotes a group of User Hs of an indeterminate number, who interact with the platform. These interactions are at multiple stages of their individual home design journeys. These interactions could range from simple browsing activity to a complete journey, starting from concept to completion.
User A community: This denotes a group of Users A of an indeterminate number, who interact with the platform. The Users A may be creating designs for paid clients, creating designs to showcase their capabilities, searching for products, searching or adding moodboards and/or inspirations.
Users A or Users H may be clubbed together to form the respective community, based on having similar Demographics, such as age, sex, profession, income, and/or similar Geographics, such as country, state, city, ZIP code, time zone, climate and season, language and/or Psychographics, such as lifestyle, interests, attitudes and/or Website Behavior, such as viewing, selecting, requesting for similar category, color, material, theme, size, quantity, company, price.
User A community includes Users A selected on the basis of Work persona, such as type of designer, project deal size, type of spaces, team, design style.
KEY MODULES & COMPONENTS OF THE SYSTEM AND METHOD OF USING SAID MODULES/COMPONENTS
USER INTERFACE (1)
User Interface (1) is an interface used by User A and H to access the software platform from a desktop, laptop, tablet or mobile device (referred to as “device”) based on an operating system, such as Windows, Linux (all distributions), Android, iOS, and MacOS operating system (referred to as “operating system”) using a Mobile app, or a browser, such as Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge, Opera web installed on the device.
User A and H may utilize the user interface (1) to interact with the system on various touch points starting with logging in for access, wherein for first time login the user inputs login/registration details (for e.g. First time User A or H provides inputs, such as name, email id, contact number, age, gender, state, city and other details, such as work description, social media links, company details.
User A and H may further utilize the user interface (1) to create a property/ moodboard by feeding inputs, such as type of space - new home, home renovation, office, restaurant + type of project - 1bedroom hall kitchen, 2bhk, 1 floor, 2 floors + size of the space + timeline + location + project name + floorplan + sub spaces + space status +themes + project phase + colors + materials + images + budget + team members. The User H may input in some or all of the above details. User H may use the present platform through a mobile app to redo an existing house or design a new house or find a specific set of products.
User A and H may additionally utilize user interface (1) for searching and adding products to the property/ moodboard, requesting information from User V, for e.g. technical sheets, catalogs, price and comparing the same with information from other Users V.
The method for digital interaction with a Moodboard using the user interface (1) includes: generating a digital Moodboard representation by inputting of project details, such as area, floor plan, timeline, location, images of home interiors, product list, colors, materials, themes; generating a Sub-space model (sub- space may be a room, such as a living room) associated with the digital Moodboard representation; providing the digital Moodboard representation and the Sub-space model to User A and User H device; receiving a selection of products, colors, materials & finishes, themes, images to be composed with the Sub-space model representation; rendering the selected products, colors, materials & finishes, themes, images in the Moodboard representation, based on the Sub-space model; and providing final rendered digital Moodboard representation for display on one or more devices used by User A or User H. The method functions to provide digital interaction with a generated two-dimensional Sub-space model representation of an indoor space.


DESIGN IDEA (2)
User A may, in collaboration with User H, draft design ideas (2) which are contained within moodboards. Moodboards convert the design ideas into metadata, that maintains the relationship between design, material, texture, color, and living spaces. This is an iterative process.
User A and H may create moodboards using the user interface (1), accessed via the browser on their computing device. The user employs the user interface (1) components to express the design idea (2).
The method of expressing a design idea (2) includes User A or H inputting inspirations, budget, colors, materials, themes or images for a Sub-space model representation. Material and finishes are shown by the platform for every product added in the product list by the user (for e.g., material and finishes may be added to a tile, sofa, bed, paint, rug).
Design idea (2) may be expressed in the following manner: The proprietary functional logic is encapsulated in function(s) (referred to as “function”), a block of code designed to perform a particular task. This function will execute when User A or H interacts with the user interface (1) component(s) (referred to as “event”) and/or when it is called from another function (referred to as “invoked”) and/or when it is self-invoked (automatically) (referred to as “scheduled”). The functions collaborate together to generate data that provides information about other data (referred to as “metadata”).
INSPIRATION REPOSITORY (3)
Every design idea (2) and subsequent moodboard creation requires and subsequently also generates inspirations that influence the design idea (2) itself and/or modify the moodboard. This is an iterative process. These inspirations and their evolution reside as inspiration records in an electronic collection in the inspiration repository (3). The inspiration repository (3) is stored on a NoSQL document database hosted in the cloud (referred to as “document database”).
User Type A and/or H may save inspirations, obtained from a search engine and/or through their own sources, to the moodboard, via a combination of user interface (1) components, invoked and triggered functions. The code inside the function executes automatically and is referred to as “triggered” function.
The method of creating the inspiration repository (3) includes receiving a collection of images from a User A or H for a Sub-space model representation. The images are collected separately for each of the Sub-space models, for e.g. Living room has multiple inspiration images only for the living room space.
Multiple invoked and triggered functions collaboratively, process the inspirations identified by the User A or H, creating the appropriate metadata to be save the inspirations to the moodboard record. Simultaneously, other triggered and scheduled functions, gather information and create metadata on the user persona and demographics, moodboard intent and theme, design idea, living spaces, themes, colors, materials used in the inspirations. The metadata, thus created, is stored in a JSON object (referred to as “inspiration record”).
Inspiration records which collectively forms the inspiration repository (3) are stored in the document database. Each inspiration record has key-value pairs (referred to as “tag”) that define a property and/or describe a feature of the inspiration record. Tags are used by subsequent functions to search, correlate, describe, rank, and sort the inspiration records.
MOODBOARD REPOSITORY (4)
The moodboard repository (4) is an electronic collection of moodboards [a moodboard is a visual representation of a design idea (2)] in various stages of completion. The moodboards may be created for various purposes, such as for finding inspirations or products or for buying a specific product. The repository also creates additional metadata, that is useful for making recommendations and providing inspiration during design ideation. This is an iterative process. This moodboard repository (4) will be stored in a NoSQL database hosted in the cloud.
User Type A and/or H can save a design idea (2), by interacting with the appropriate user interface (1) component, triggering events, which will invoke the functions, which will convert the design idea (2) into the desired metadata.
The moodboards created by User A or User H are collected in the moodboard repository (4) and displayed in the moodboard section of User A’s or User H’s profile. User A or User H may have multiple moodboards that can be filtered by timeline, budget, colors, location etc.
The functions invoked, using a proprietary algorithm, convert the design idea (2) and save it to a NoSQL document database (referred to as “document database”). This database facilitates the storage of unstructured data as a coherent unit (referred to as “moodboard record”), a collection of which is the moodboard repository (4). Each moodboard record has key-value pairs (referred to as “tag”) that define a property and/or describe a feature of the moodboard record.
ACTIVITY STREAMS (5)
All actions taken by User A and H are captured by the individual activity streams (5). Actions include, but are not limited to, searches, selections, views, decisions made by the user. Each action is considered to be atomic, generated by the interaction of the user with user interface (1) components. Actions occur at indeterminate time intervals and in indeterminate sequences and are captured by the invoked, triggered and scheduled functions.
A collection of actions performed by User A or User H is received through the timeline of Moodboards. Based on a group of actions from multiple moodboards, the User A and User H are assigned community groups. All actions done by User A and H are captured by invoked and/or triggered functions.
For e.g. User A or User H that belong to a common age group and have common actions of selection, such as color, material, themes, products, budget, are assigned to a common group in the age community.
The activity stream (5) is a channel to capture and store these “actions” (activities) as they occurred in the system. Each activity may be one or more key-value pairs, representing information and tags on the activity, along with epoch time stamps of when the event occurred (referred to as “activity record”). An activity record is represented as a JSON object and inserted sequentially into the activity stream (5). There is a dedicated activity stream (5) for each user type.

AI (ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE) ENGINE (6)
The AI engine (6) is a learning system that takes inputs from the design idea (2), inspiration repository (3), moodboard repository (4) and activity streams (5) and offers suggestions to User A and H. These suggestions are made with the intention of:
Providing alternatives to the design idea (2)
Possible enhancements to the design idea (2)
Providing a different perspective of the design idea (2)
Providing a collection of similar ideas from the communities.
The AI engine (6) is not directly accessed by any user interface component or any invoked and/or triggered function, from the user interface (1). The AI engine (6) is “always on” and reads the activity streams (5) and metadata generated in the moodboard repository (4) and inspiration repository (3) via scheduled functions.
The AI engine (6) processes a collection of design ideas (2), inspiration repository (3) records, moodboard repository (4) records, and activity streams (5) done by User A or User H through the interactions with moodboards. Based on an assigned community group of User A or User H, a collection of inputs is stored for the User A or User H for use in a current moodboard.
For e.g. User A or User H that belong to a common age group and have common actions of selection of color, material, themes, products, budget, etc. are given suggestions of products used by their User communities for similar moodboards.
The AI engine (6) is comprised of several proprietary modules which include a Machine Learning Module (referred to as “ML module”), a Natural Language Processing Module (referred to as “NLP module”) and a Knowledge Representation Module (referred to as “knowledge base”). The Machine learning module is based on neural networks, which uses a training data set, and an industry specific learning algorithm, which through multiple iterations, will provide, with a high probability of accuracy, suggestions to improve/modify the design idea (2), based on the information available in activity streams (5), moodboard repository (4) and inspiration repository (3). The Natural Language Processing Module, provides the ability to understand the values in the key-value pairs, stored in activity stream (5) records, moodboard repository (4) records and inspiration repository (3) records. The NLP module provides text summaries that convey the main concepts, sentiment analysis i.e. identifying the feeling, judgement and/or opinion in key-value pairs, and categorizes data in key-value pairs and/or compares values with a view to identifying with design ideas (2), and entity extraction i.e. identifying people, places, etc. The knowledge base is dedicated to representing information about design idea (2), implemented in the form of an “ontology”, which is a knowledge representation formalism comprised of a hierarchical set of concepts and categories along with their properties and the relations between them. The core of an AI Engine (6) is implemented as an ontology which will be populated with design specific domain knowledge.
SEARCH ENGINE (7)
The search engine (7) works in conjunction with the inspiration repository (3). The repository (3) may call on the search engine (7) by providing search criteria. The search engine (7) carries out a focused search on the world wide web and retrieves content that will be used by Inspiration Repository (3) to enhance its offerings.
User Type A and/or H can use the proprietary search engine (7), accessed via a combination of user interface (1) components, invoked and triggered functions to search for design inspirations.
The search engine (7) includes searching all images based on a text input given by User A or User H and displaying the images related to the text typed in the search bar. For e.g. User A or User H may input the search criteria, “minimalist living room” and get a grid of multiple images of a minimalist living room.
The search engine (7) is a combination of functions whose main function is to collect large amounts of data or information about the search criteria, across multiple sources, then categorize the data or the information, and assist the user in finding the required information from the categorized information.
The search engine (7) also carries out a comprehensive search across the website or community, which includes searching for ‘related keywords’ based on the text input provided by User A or User H. The search results are then organized and categorized within seconds, providing an efficient and user-friendly experience for the users. The search engine (7) assists users in finding the required information from the categorized information, making the search process more streamlined and effective.
RECOMMENDATION AI (8)
The recommendation AI (8) is a learning system that recommends products from the vendor(s) that are best suited to the suggestions made by the AI Engine (6).
Possible product recommendations are extracted from the recommendation AI(8) via the user interface (1) components using invoked functions. These recommendations are added to the moodboard record (4) metadata.

For e.g. User A or User H that has been assigned to a specific community and has added products list to the current Moodboard will get recommendations of similar products that match the color, material, theme, images, budget etc. of User A’s or User H’s previous inputs.
The Recommendation AI (8) is an information filtering system that provide suggestions for products that are most pertinent to a particular moodboard. The recommendation AI (8) uses collaborative filtering (based on user’s past behavior, items previously purchased or selected, and/or numerical ratings given to those items), content based filtering (also known as the personality based approach, using a series of discrete, pre-tagged characteristics of an item to recommend additional items with similar properties), the knowledge base, decision making processes captured in activity stream (5) records, moodboard repository (4) records and inspiration repository (3) records to infer product recommendations.
In addition to the collaborative and content-based filtering methods, the recommendation AI (8) also leverages the visual search component of the system. With this feature, User A and User H may search for products directly from inspirations, eliminating the need to search for products separately.
The visual search component uses the knowledge base, decision-making processes captured in activity stream (5) records, moodboard repository (4) records, and inspiration repository (3) records to infer product recommendations that are most pertinent to the inspiration at hand. By integrating visual search into the recommendation AI (8), users may easily and quickly find the products they need, making the overall experience more seamless and intuitive. These products will be accessed from the product catalogs.
ENHANCED DESIGN IDEA (9)
User A and H are presented with an enhanced design idea (9) version of the original design idea (2), along with themes, materials, colors, and products that may be used to modify, enhance or complete the original design idea (2). This is delivered to User A and H via the user interface (1).
Possible enhancements to the original design idea (2) along with recommendations on themes, materials, colors and products are presented to the users via user interface (1), with the help of invoked and triggered functions.
The method includes suggesting moodboards for A or User H based on inputs from moodboards in their community. For e.g. User A or User H that has been assigned to a specific community and is working on a particular moodboard will get suggestions of similar moodboards from which a User A or User H may import color, material, theme, images, budget etc. to complete their current moodboard.
The suggestions to the original design idea (2) submitted by the user, is presented back to the user in the form of an enhanced design idea (9), at the end of design submission process, via user interface (1). The user interface (1) is populated with recommendations provided by the recommendation AI (8), and enhancements suggested by the AI engine (6), via invoked and triggered functions. The user may choose to incorporate or reject these recommendations and enhancements offered in the enhanced design idea (9) by interacting with the user interface (1), which will record the user choices, via invoked and triggered functions in the moodboard repository (4) record and in the activity stream (5).
WORKFLOW ENGINE (10)
The workflow engine (10) enables task management and assists User A and H to,
1. Manage team members and teams
2. Assign and manage tasks
3. Procure materials and products
The workflow engine (10) automates,
1. Task interdependence and prioritization
2. Budget creation and tracking
3. Communication and alerts
The workflow engine (10) is not directly accessed by any user interface (1) component or any invoked and/or triggered functions. The workflow engine (10) is “always on” and reads the activity streams (5) and metadata generated in moodboard repository (4) and inspiration repository (3) via scheduled functions.
Through user interface (1), inputs are received from User A and H to add more users (team members, family, etc.) to collaborate on moodboards. For e.g. User A or User H may add other users, assign them tasks and communicate with them.
The workflow engine (1) manages the workflow processes, via a Rules engine that contains the information required to evaluate task state, and make decisions. The workflow engine (10) manages and monitors the state of activities in workflows, takes appropriate actions, invokes other rules, triggers functions, schedules functions, updates records, thereby facilitating the flow of information, tasks and events.
BID ENGINE (11)
The bid engine (11) enables User V-Vendors to respond to product quote requests, make promotional offers, manage advertisements, etc.
User Type A and/or H may request for quotes for products that have been shortlisted for the design idea (2) via user interface (1).
All the information requested by User A or User H, such as price, technical sheet, product information etc. is stored and displayed to User V on a User V interface. The bid engine (11) is utilized to make bid inputs entered by User V via an User V interface , available to User A or User H on their user interface (1).
The bid engine (11) matches product quote requests with bids and enables user type A and/or H to compare multiple bids.
EVENT STREAM (12)
The system monitors and logs all actions that occur within itself (events) to the event stream (12) at high velocity.
The event stream (12) is not directly accessed by any user interface components or any invoked and/or triggered functions, from the user interface (1).
Event store is a data collection stream, where all events occurring within the system are stored. This data will be stored in memory data structure store hosted in the cloud. The event store is static and does not have any invoked, triggered or scheduled functions associated with it. Events are generated by one or more invoked, triggered or scheduled functions, which may or may not be associated with a user interface. Each event contains key-value pairs, that describe the event that occurred, when it occurred, the event origin, functions that created the event, and other information. The invoked, triggered and/or scheduled functions generate and store these key-value pairs, in a JSON object, that represents the event (referred to as “event record”) and stores the JSON object to the event stream (12).
ETL MODULE (13) (EXTRACT, TRANSFORM, AND LOAD)
The ETL module (13) consumes events from within the event stream (12). This proprietary module performs the following functions:
1. Extract (E): Extraction modules read events as they occur in the event stream (12) and distributes them to the appropriate transformation modules.
2. Transform (T): One or more transformation modules decipher the data within each event, enhance it with metadata, and establish any relationships, which could lead to more events being injected into the event stream for processing. The transformation could also include changes in data format.
3. Load (L): The transformed data is supplied to one or more loading modules. These modules load data, at high speed, into an analytics store.
The ETL module (13) reads events from the event stream (12) via schedule functions and is “always on”. The ETL module is not directly accessed by any user interface (1) component or any invoked and/or triggered function, from the user interface.
ANALYTICS STORE (14)
The analytics store (14) is a high-performance long-term storage of the transformed event stream. The analytics store (14) may contain structured and unstructured data.
The analytics store (14) receives data generated by the ETL module (13). The analytics store (14) is not directly accessed by any user interface component or any invoked and/or triggered function from the user interface, rather it is accessed by invoked or triggered functions generated by an analytics engine.
The analytics store (14) is a high performance column oriented database, optimized for aggregations and sequential scans of selected fields, as it stores data tables by column rather than by row.
ANALYTICS ENGINE (15)
The analytics engine (15) combines machine learning and business concepts, to provide descriptive, diagnostic, predictive analytics, and prescriptive analytics to vendor, User V.
The analytics engine (15) is configured to retrieve and process information in response to a vendor query inputted via user interface (18)
The analytics engine (15) receives requests, via user interface (18). The user interface (1) components, convert the information request query to search criteria, basis proprietary algorithms. The search query is sent to the analytics store (14), which responds with the required information.
INSIGHTS (16)
The output of the analytics engine (15) is provided visually to the various stakeholders within User V organization. These insights enable stakeholders to improve sales and brand visibility.
The insights module (16) uses invoked and/or triggered function to retrieve, transform and display analytical insights to the user(s), via the User V interface.
PRODUCT CATALOGS (17)
Product catalogs (17) are introduced into the system by User V using their exclusive interface. The product catalogs (17) contain information about individual products offered by the vendor.
The product catalogs may be added individually using the User V interface components, which via invoked, triggered and scheduled functions store the information in the document database. The User V also has option to add multiple product catalogs using a bulk addition option, provided via the User V interface that complete the activity via scheduled functions.
A product catalog (17) lists essential product information, including but not limited to, product features, descriptions, price, weight, availability, color etc. The product information is provided by User V, via user interface (18) components, and is saved to the document database.
USER INTERFACE (18) (FOR USER V)
This user interface (18) is for the exclusive use of vendor - User V
The method for digital interaction with a dashboard User Interface includes: first time users inputting registration details; logging in to the account for accessing the dashboard, (e.g. User V enters the user ID and password to login to the dashboard), Uploading and editing product catalogs (17), using Bid engine (11) data to respond.
User V may add team members from various departments (for e.g. marketing, sales, business development, IT etc.) and give them specific access to sub-dashboards (for e.g. a marketing User V gets access only to marketing data on the dashboard). The User Interface (18) for User V allows them to navigate and select various sub-streams of the department (for e.g. marketing User V may navigate to lead generation, brand equity, digital marketing etc.). Further the User V may go deeper into a specific sub-channel by selecting it to get more detailed information (for e.g.: marketing User V can select the option of lead generation and get a deeper visual view on the number of cold leads, hot leads, sales qualified leads etc.). Further, on selecting the displayed comprehensive information, the User V can get specific information. For e.g. marketing User V may select “Hot Leads” and get specific information, such as User A or H community details, demographic details, work persona details, product analytic details etc.

The information module and storage system relate to a combination of interconnected modules, including but not limited to the Inspiration repository (3), moodboard repository (4), product catalogs (17), and enhanced design idea (9).

Object store is responsible for storing digital assets, such as product information and existing audio/visual representations provided by Vendors. It serves as a physical storage component within the storage system, contributing to interconnected modules, such as the inspiration repository (3), moodboard repository (4), product catalogs (17), and enhanced design idea (9).

The present system and method for designing a space, confers several benefits over conventional methods of providing digital interaction with two-dimensional moodboard with Sub-space model representation.
User A or H may change any project details throughout the timeline of the project, may select the color from a color picker/color wheel or with the help of the inspiration Repository (3) or moodboard repository (4) [for e.g. on selecting an inspiration, the AI engine (6) selects colors from the Inspiration Repository (3)].
User A or H may create a list of products by selecting the sub-area (for e.g. seating area, dining area, balcony, etc.) and add categories (for e.g. tiles, paints, furniture). The user may further add subcategories (for e.g. marble tile, vitrified tile etc.), may add material (for e.g. wood, steel, glass etc.) & finishes (glossy, matte etc.) to each product from the product list, may add multiple themes (minimalist, rustic etc.), may use Inspiration Repository (3) and image search products using Search Engine (7) and add it to moodboard repository (4) and request information from User V (for e.g. price, catalog, technical sheet).
A User A or H while designing a space can also upload inspirations via photos or 3D renders which are already available with him or upload the same from the internet. The user can then drag and select different products in the image that has been uploaded. The recommendation AI (8) will help find the best possible match in no time. The recommendation AI (8) suggests products for User A or User H based on inputs from the design idea (2), activity stream (5), product catalogs (17), analytics engine (15) and bid engine (11). The user can select the products displayed, compare them or call for information or quotes from the vendors. User A or H can also get in touch with the vendor User V directly and purchase the selected product. This product can also be added to the user’s mood board or to a wishlist in general for use in any future projects.

EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION RELATING TO USER H

In an embodiment, the present system & method allow User H to plan designing of a particular space on the basis of the inspirations in a specific budget.
For e.g. User H can find the inspirations and find matching products in their budget.

In an embodiment, the present system & method allow User H to directly visualize interior spaces of their house represented with their color, materials, themes and images in a 2D representation without waiting a long time for a 3D rendered view. User H may navigate between multiple spaces like living room, bedroom, that User H or User A has created and see the colors, materials, themes, images, products, etc. at one glance in a well-organized page which makes it easy for visualizing the concept.

In another embodiment, the present system & method allow User H to have a live interaction with all information and details of all the spaces in their floor plan.
For e.g. User H may click on any element and see the information related to that element like color, material, product etc., making it easy for User H to learn about the designs with proper information on each aspect.)

In an embodiment, the present system & method allow User H to track progress of the interiors across the timeline committed by User A. User H is able to see the overall progress and budget estimation of each individual space in the form of a progress card and the overall timeline progress that is displayed live as per the start date, current date and end date.

In an embodiment, the present system & method allow User H to hire User A based on the User A profile. Based on the location, budget, images and choice of colors and other filters, User H may scan throughout a library of moodboards that are stored in the moodboard repository (4) which has a collection of moodboards made by multiple User A- Architects. Hence, User H is able to select the User A that optimally matches User H inputs and requirements.

In another embodiment, the present system & method allow User H to keep track of the price of individual products used in each sub-space and sub-area of the house.
For e.g. The User H may view the Bill of Quantity in which User A provides the total quote which is the sum of costs of an individual product multiplied by its quantity. This information is neatly organized and separated for each Sub-area of the floorplan.

In an embodiment, the present system & method allow User H to comment on the inspirations to guide User A and their team for sourcing the products. Inspirations include photo inspirations that User H may have shared with the User A or may have directly uploaded, for User A to understand the particular products/themes that User H desires.
For e.g. User H may click on the comment button on any image uploaded in the inspiration and comment on the aspects that User H likes or dislikes or the tasks that User A needs to perform to get more information, such as product availability, price, nearby stores etc.
In an embodiment, the present system & method allow User H to plan and schedule store visits by themselves or accompanied by User A, based on the geographical location and availability of the products of multiple User V.
For e.g. based on the products added on the moodboard by User A and shared with User H, User H can see the information, such as color, material, price, features, location, availability, size etc. and may plan a visit to the relevant stores in the location where multiple products of different retailers of User V may be covered in a single visit.

In an embodiment, the present system & method allow User H to see and compare products added by them or User A with a click of a button.
Once User A adds products to the Moodboard and shares it with User H, User H may click on the compare button on the cards of each product and may add up to 4 products at a time on the compare box displayed below. User H may then open the compare box and see the 4 products side by side and also change any product with other products from the list of products added by User A in the Moodboard, All products images and features appear side by side so it is easy for User H to compare the features of similar products or see how different products like sofa, table, rug, curtains etc. appear together in one glance.

In another embodiment, the present system & method allow User H to easily communicate with their stakeholders for iterations or alternative opinions.
User H may have multiple stakeholders, for e.g. for home design, User H may require the opinion of family members. User H may share the URL of the moodboard with multiple such stakeholders and conveniently receive stakeholder opinions or iterations which speeds up project completion.

In an embodiment, the present system & method allow User H to view inputs of their assigned User H community, to take a better and informed decisions.
User H can receive recommendations about similar products, color, budget allocation for each space, price of products etc.,based on a collection of inputs that are common in the community User H is assigned to and trending with multiple other Users H who have similar moodboards, thus helping User H to take an informed decision about the design.

In a further embodiment, the present system & method allow User H to check 3D rendered views of their spaces uploaded by User A. User H may view and comment on 3D renders uploaded by User A. This helps User H to visualize the space and provide iterations on the go without consuming too much time.

In another embodiment, the present system & method allow User H to gather information on the availability of products with retailers of User V, in order to make logistics and time estimations.
For e.g. User H can see the total list of retailers of User V for the product that User A has added in the shortlist box of the moodboard. User H can thus plan the procurement with a better understanding of logistical cost and time beforehand and compare multiple retailers of the same product.

In one embodiment, the present system & method allow User H to perform visual search for products, that is, search products directly from inspirations. User H may select any inspiration image added to an individual space and drag any portion of the image. The AI engine will use computer vision and show similar or matching products from the product catalog uploaded by User V on the platform. This helps User H to add and request any kind of product information from User V with a single click.

In a further embodiment, the present system & method allow User H to select and assign colors/materials and finishes/themes to individual spaces, using 2 different methods.
User H can add color/material and finish/theme and select multiple items to add to individual spaces. Alternatively, User H may import colors/materials and finishes/themes from an individual space of User H community having public moodboards. This allows User H to customize and add colors/materials and finishes/themes to the moodboard quickly and easily while saving time.

EXAMPLES:

EXAMPLES RELATING TO USER H (HOMEOWNER)- with modules & components of the system

Example 1- Method of decorating a space, illustrated by FIG. 2
Users H, such as homeowners may use the online platform/app to decorate a space taking the following steps:
1. Login in using user interface (1).
2. Add design inputs including budget and location, creating design idea (2).
3. Select inspirations for different spaces, the inspirations being accessed from inspiration repository (3).
4. Find matching products from the inspirations in the specified budget range, the search process utilizing the AI Engine (6), Recommendation AI (8), Enhanced Design Idea (9), Bid Engine (11) and Product Catalogs (17). The search results are displayed on user interface (1).
5. Buy selected products by being redirected to an external vendor platform/website to complete purchase.
6. Schedule a visit to a vendor store visit or call for information on selected products through user interface (1). User V is notified of User H query through user interface (18).

Example 2- Method of hiring a User A - Architect/Interior Designer, illustrated by FIG.3
Users H may use the online platform/app to hire User A - Interior designers by performing the following steps:
1. Login in through user interface (1).
2. Provide filters, such as location, budget etc. creating design idea (2).
3. Visit Interior designer’s page on user interface (1).
4. Contact the User A - designer by selecting the designer’s profile on user interface (1). User A is notified on user interface (1), the process using activity stream (5).

Example 3 – Method of approving quotations for products, illustrated by FIG. 4
Users H, such as homeowners may approve quotes by taking the following steps:
1. Login in, using user interface (1).
2. Visit Bill of Quantity page shared by User A, the process using activity stream (5).
3. Click on yes or no against each quotation that is displayed in the user interface (1) against each product or collection of products.
4. Confirm and notify to User A. User A will be notified on user interface (1), the process using activity stream (5).

Example 4 – Method of conducting visual search for products, illustrated by FIG. 5
Users H may perform a visual search using the following steps:
1. Clicking on “Search Similar” icon of any inspiration on user interface (1), takes User H to a page on which User H can tag the items in the image by selecting and dragging.
2. A dropdown box appears on user interface (1), as User H drags on any section of an image of an item. The dropdown box will display the category of that item i.e. whether it is Color, Product, Material, etc.
3. If the dropdown box does not mention the category, User H can select ‘Others’ in the dropdown box & mention the category name.
4. Products similar to those tagged by User H on the inspiration will be displayed, the process using design idea (2) module along with AI Engine (6), Recommendation AI (8), Enhanced Design Idea (9). Search results from Product Catalogs (17) are shown on user interface (1).
5. User H can select and add the chosen products to the moodboard, using user interface (1).

EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION RELATING TO USER A

In an embodiment, the present system & method allow User A to create a dummy Moodboard for showcasing creativity. User A may create up to 3 dummy moodboards which are not live projects. User A can showcase creativity by experimenting with floor plans, spaces, colors, materials, themes, products, timelines, images, budgets etc. without User H or User V’s restriction or influence. The dummy moodboard can be saved and used to advertise thought process and capabilities to User H and User A communities.

In an embodiment, the present system & method allow User A to create multiple moodboards of past projects and save the moodboards as a collection in User A’s portfolio
For e.g. User A may make multiple moodboards for User H. User A may make the moodboards public with User H’s permission. The public moodboards may be for multiple Users H who have different budgets, location, choice of colors, products etc.

These public moodboards when added to User A’s work profile can be used to:
build credibility regarding their work, creativity and capabilities,
educated junior designers,
be profiled in articles,
find and hire other User A of similar profile,
grow social media presence,
get more projects from multiple Users H and User H communities,
organize and easily manage a virtual showroom of all the work done.

In another embodiment, the present system & method allow User A to create multiple live moodboards of multiple User H projects and track the progress of each project in order to complete within the timeline, avoiding delay and saving money by keeping a digital record of processes.
User A may create a new moodboard or upload the details of an existing project at any phase of the project to digitize and organize the information of the project’s floor plan, sub-spaces in the floorplan, sub-areas of the sub-spaces, colors, materials etc. and track the progress, collaborate with a team of Users A, Users H and Users V across the timeline with live tracking of each stage of the project’s visualization, sourcing and procurement planning.

In an embodiment, the present system & method allow User A to group and filter moodboards for planning better logistics and cost optimization.
User A can track several projects in the same timeline and view them on a single platform, by filtering the moodboards by location, products, colors, materials, themes etc. User A or User H can plan procurement of products for multiple projects in a single delivery across multiple Users V and save time and optimize logistics cost.

In a further embodiment, the present system & method allow User A to choose from templates of floor plans in case the actual floor plan is not ready or available in order to proceed quickly without delaying other processes. At the point of time of project creation in cases, such as renovation of a home or decorating the interiors of a new home, User A can select from readily available templates to quickly start the process of creating or uploading the moodboard. The actual floor plan can be uploaded/updated when ready.

In an embodiment, the present system & method allow User A to tag, attach and digitize individual spaces in the floor plan of User H. User A may drag on the uploaded or selected floor plan and tag individual spaces, such as living room, bedroom, kitchen. User A may also attach bathroom, balcony etc. to individual spaces, such as living room, bedroom. User A may mention details, such as budget, phase etc. for each individual space and attached space(s). This process helps User A to organize the information related to each space in a design project and live track the progress for the space.
In an embodiment, the present system & method allow User A to select the phase of every individual space to avoid irrelevant communications from User V.
User A can select the phase of each individual space, such as a living room.
Selection of Civil phase would ensure that User A receives relevant information from User V for tiles, paints etc.
Selection of Furnishing phase reduces irrelevant information from User V for tiles, paints etc. and would provide User A with relevant information for chairs, beds, tables etc.
Selection of Decor phase reduces information from User V for tiles, paints, chairs, beds etc. and gives User A relevant information from User V for planters, lamps, curtains etc.
Phase selection method helps User A to reduce irrelevant information and stay up to date with the relevant information of individual spaces and deliver faster results to User H.

In a further embodiment, the present system & method allow User A to add team members with access type for live collaborating on the moodboard.
User A may add multiple team members, such as principal architect, senior designer, 3D artist, contractor etc. with different access types. Access types may be, ‘Admin’ to use and see all features of the moodboard or ‘limited’ to use and see limited features of the moodboard or ‘view only’ to only view but not use any features of the moodboard. This helps User A to mention team members and assign them specific tasks for collaborating on the moodboard deliverables.

In an embodiment, the present system & method allow User A to navigate between individual spaces and customize each space.
User A can navigate easily between individual spaces to have a more organized view, focused on information of each individual space and the related sub-area. For e.g. living room has seating area and TV unit area, for which User A can customize information easily to track and collaborate with User A team and User H.

In another embodiment, the present system & method allow User A to create an organized product list for each individual space. User A can create product list for each individual space by selecting “Add Products”, select the sub area, select the product category, select the sub category, select quantity. User A can thus manage multiple requirements of products for each individual space, such as living room, bedroom.

In an embodiment, the present system & method allow User A to select colors by three methods.
User A may (i) click on “Add Color”, select palette and use the color palette to select any color or (ii) select “Inspirations” and the AI engine autopicks colors from the image or (iii) select “Import from moodboards” by which User A may import color palette from public moodboards of User A community. This allows User A to customize and add colors to a moodboard quickly and easily.

In an embodiment, the present system & method allow User A to select Material and Finishes by two methods and assign them to a product in an individual space.
For e.g. (i) User A may click on “Add Material & Finishes” and the list of products added to the space will be displayed, User A can then select the product and add multiple materials and finishes as required or (ii) User A can select on “Import” in order to import material and finishes from public moodboards of User A community. This allows User A to customize and add material & finishes to a moodboard quickly and easily.

In a further embodiment, the present system & method allow User A to select themes using 2 methods and assign the themes to individual spaces.
For e.g. User A can click on “Add Theme” and select multiple themes to add to individual spaces or User A can select Import Themes to import themes from any individual spaces of User A community that has public moodboards. This allows User A to customize and add themes to a moodboard quickly and easily.

In one embodiment, the present system & method allow User A to perform visual search for products, that is, search products directly from inspirations.
User A may click on an inspiration image added to an individual space and drag any portion of the image. The AI engine utilizes computer vision to show similar or matching products from the product catalog uploaded by User V on the platform. This helps User A to add and request product information from User V with a single click.

In an embodiment, the present system & method allow User A to upload 3D renders for a space. User A can upload different views of 3D rendered file for each individual space. This helps User A and User H to collaborate for iterations and quickly shortlist products.

In an embodiment, the present system & method allow User A to see and compare multiple products with a click of a button.
For e.g. once products are added to the moodboard, User A can click on the compare button on the card of each product and may add up to 4 products at a time on the compare box that is displayed. User A can open the compare box and see the 4 products side by side and also replace any product with other products from the list of products added by User A in the moodboard. All products images and features appear side by side making it is easy for User A to compare the features of similar products or see in one glance, how different products, such as sofa, table, rug, curtains etc. appear when placed together.

In another embodiment, the present system & method allow User A to track quotes requested from retailers of User V to make a digital bill of quantity (BOQ). User A can use the BOQ box in the moodboard to check the different quotes from multiple User V retailers for individual products and track the increase and decrease in daily price. This allows User A to add their fees before sharing the final BOQ with User H.

In an embodiment, the present system & method allow User A to customize and share the URL of the moodboard with User H. User A may customize the features, such as color, material, theme, BOQ etc. and select what and how to display these features and share the moodboard with User H. User H may approve, comment and track progress of projects and collaborate with User A to save time and optimize costs where required.

EXAMPLES RELATING TO USER A (INTERIOR DESIGNER/ARCHITECT) - with modules & components of the system

Example 5 - Method of building and publishing a digital portfolio, illustrated by FIG. 6
Users A, such as Interior Designers may build digital work portfolios for pitching to clients by taking the following steps:
1. Login in using user interface (1).
2. Fill profile details on profile page, the process using user interface (1) and activity stream (5).
3. Create multiple moodboards, the process using user interface (1) and moodboard repository (4).
4. Make the moodboards public to be displayed on the profile page using user interface (1).

Example 6 - Method of adding team members for a project, illustrated by FIG. 7
Users A, such as Interior Designers may add team members by performing the following steps:
1. Login in using user interface (1).
2. Create a moodboard through moodboard repository (4).
3. Enter email id, phone no and designation of team members, the process using moodboard repository (4).
4. The team members verify the email link, using user interface (1).
5. The verified team members appear in the selected moodboard, the process using user interface (1) & moodboard repository (4).

Example 7 - Method of importing colors/materials/themes from pre-existing moodboards, illustrated by FIG. 8
1. Clicking on “Import from other moodboards” icon opens up a pop-up screen, in which all moodboards are displayed, using user interface (1).
2. Clicking on any of the displayed moodboards takes user to another pop-up in which the colors/materials/themes used in every space in the moodboard will be displayed. User may select any space and import the colors/materials/themes of that space. This step uses user interface (1) & moodboard repository (4).
3. Clicking on “Import Color Palette”/“Import materials”/“Import theme” button saves the selected colors/materials/themes respectively, to the current space, creating the enhanced design idea (9), the process using user interface (1) & moodboard repository (4).
4. Clicking on the Cancel button cancels all the pop-ups, the process using user interface (1) and moodboard repository (4).

EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION RELATING TO USER V- Vendor

In an embodiment, the present system & method allow User V to add team members to different departments for accessing the dashboard insights.
For e.g. User V admin may add team members to various departments, such as sales, marketing, business development, IT, so that respective team members have access to their departmental insights. This helps User V and the team to collaborate across cross-functional departments for improving work efficiency.
In an embodiment, the present system & method allow User V to visualize insights in an easy and relatable 3D view. User V is able to see progress of each department with relevant information on the related categories. Sales category would have information of total sales generated which User V can filter by month, quarter, year and also see the top deal, highest deals from the location with infographics etc. in one glance. This would help User V to keep a track of progress and make informed decisions for the business.

In a further embodiment, the present system & method allow User V to gain insights about different channels in a specific department.
For e.g. If User V clicks on marketing, insights of different channels, such as lead generation, digital marketing, brand equity, special insights etc. for each departments become available. This helps User V to plan and execute omni-channel strategy with clarity and speed.

In an embodiment, the present system & method allow User V to gain insights of each individual channel.
For e.g. User V may select individual channels of a department. For marketing, if the User V selects lead generation, User V gets detailed insights of different types of leads along with measurable attributes, such as number of cold leads, hot leads, sales qualified leads etc. This helps user V to make proper use of every channel and optimize business growth.

In another embodiment, the present system & method allow User V to receive in-depth details of the channel components. Demographics, such as age, sex, profession, income, and/or similar Geographics, such as country, state, city, ZIP code, time zone, climate and season, language and/or Psychographics, such as lifestyle, interests, attitudes and/or Website Behavior, such as viewing, selecting, requesting for similar category, color, material, theme, size, quantity, company, price.
User A community includes Users A selected on the basis of Work persona, such as type of designer, project deal size, type of spaces, team, design style.

For e.g. User V may select “Cold Leads” and get the information about Demographics, such as age, sex, profession, income, and/or similar Geographics, such as country, state, city, ZIP code, time zone, climate and season, language and/or Psychographics, such as lifestyle, interests, attitudes and/or Website Behavior, such as viewing, selecting, requesting for similar category, color, material, theme, size, quantity, company, price.

In an embodiment, the present system & method allow User V to get recommendations and plan and execute actions to boost the business.
For e.g. based on the insights, User V may avail of emailing services. Users H and Users A will be regularly emailed promotions from the present platform. To add their products/brands to this email, vendors can avail options of sending one or more emails a month. Further options available include top preference in search bar, top preference in category page, top preference in recommendations, homepage upper ad, homepage top product ad, homepage weekly trend ad, social media pack new product launch, retargeting, expert feedback, clearance sale, detailed analysis, research data, 3D Modeling of Products, geo-Vendor Virtual/Digital Showroom.

In an embodiment, the present system & method allow User V to manage product database with ease. For e.g. User V may upload entire product sheet and images and manage and maintain attributes related to each product, such as name, price, availability, color, tags etc. with an easy to use UI.

In an embodiment, the present system & method allow User V to utilize the insights interface (16) to understand the needs of User H and A community.
User V has information of their sales funnel in form of lead type and tags, sub-type. For e.g. lead type is Hot lead, Sub type is: demographics + psychographics + behavioral traits on the platform on each User H and User A who has interacted with the product of User V.

In another embodiment, the present system & method allow User V to understand the detailed product analysis of each product and its product life cycle.
For e.g. User V may use product analysis feature to understand the usage and trends of each individual product attribute, such as category, sub-category, color, material, theme, size and co-relate to the usage or demand in User H and User A communities. This helps User V to understand the stage of product life cycle for each individual product, such as developing stage, maturity stage, decline stage etc. to take better production and distribution decisions.

In an embodiment, the present system & method allow User V to track and develop price strategy with available insights. User V may use the price analysis feature to get insights of price of similar products, price fluctuations, price discounts vs area etc. based on market trends of User H and User A community interactions with different Users V. This would help User V to create a more competitive pricing strategy.

In an embodiment, the present system & method allow User V to understand live funnel insights of each department. If User V uses funnel insights for the Marketing department, insights are received on the number of Users H and Users V that present in each stage of the funnel, like awareness, desire, loyalty etc. and can receive recommendations to avail and execute trial/paid services to get the User H and User A to the bottom of the funnel and maintain growth.

In another embodiment, the present system & method allow User V to understand brand cycle of the company.
For e.g. User V can understand the type of stakeholders in their brand cycle, such as User H, User V, User A, and their community reviews, mentions, comments etc. on User V components, such as video, product, downloads etc. This helps User V to get information on the number of stakeholders in each brand stage, such as interaction, authenticity, loyalty etc. to maintain reputation and increase brand equity.

In an embodiment, the present system & method allow User V to understand the experience, channel and device (ECD).
For e.g. User V may use the ECD analytics feature to understand the user experience across multiple channels, such as email, website, Whatsapp and the device used by the User H and User A, such as phone, tablet, desktop. This helps User V to create and plan efficient content distribution across User H and User A communities.

In an embodiment, the present system & method allow User V to monetize big data analysis.
For e.g. User V may use the bid data analytics feature for predictive analysis and in-depth insights from correlation of big data collected from data points, such as Attributes Data: Profile, Project details, Product Attributes, Section Attributes and/or Sessions: Start Time - End Time, Time on each section, Repetition and/or Mouse/Trackpad/Touch/Camera : Clicks/taps, Scrolls, Hover, downloads and/or Cookie / Journey data: From where User H and User A began (Before logging in) to where User H and User A went and did what (On the platform) and where User H and User A went (After accessing the platform). With enough data collected by the platform, data analysis will report on the future of a product requirement on the basis of a given location and budget. This would facilitate User V to manage supply chain and plan future product launches.

EXAMPLES RELATING TO USER V (VENDOR) - with modules & components of the system

Example 8 - Method of creating a digital/virtual showroom of User V, illustrated by FIG. 9
User V may build a digital showroom for listing products on the platform by taking the following steps:
1. Login into the dashboard of the platform using user interface (18)
2. Upload product sheet and images, the process using product catalog (17) and user interface (18)
3. Fill and edit company details, using user interface (18)
4. Publish the product sheet, using product catalog (17) and user interface (18)

Example 9 - Method of launching new vendor products on the platform, illustrated by FIG. 10
User V may launch new products on the platform by following the steps given below:
1. Login on the dashboard of the platform, using user interface (18)
2. Using the user interface (18), fill the required information on the Product Launch box, the process using product catalogs (17)
3. Make the payment, using user interface (18)
4. Launch the product on the platform, using user interface (18)

Example 10 – Method of updating inventory list and viewing key metrics on Vendor Dashboard, illustrated by FIG. 11
User V may manage their inventory listings & view key metrics through a dedicated vendor dashboard by taking the following steps:
1. Login into the vendor dashboard, using User Interface (18)
2. Update stock quantities, mark products as 'out of stock,' or remove listings altogether when necessary, the process using Product Catalogs (17)
3. View key metrics, such as Track sales performance and trends, the process using Insights (16)
4. Access insights on top-selling products, the process using Insights (16)

Example 11 – Method of placing a price Bid by Vendors for User H specific requirements, illustrated by FIG. 12
User V may place a Bid on a product requirement placed by the User H by taking the following steps:
1. Login into the vendor dashboard, using User Interface (18)
2. Check on the Bid Notification (notification of User A or User H product query) displayed on the Dashboard, the process using Bid Engine (11)
3. Place a price bid for similar product
4. Similarly, various Vendors may place their price bids on their respective Dashboard.
5. All the Bids placed are shared with User H, who selects the desired Bid.

The foregoing descriptions of embodiments and examples of the present invention have been presented only for purposes of illustration. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present invention to the embodiments and examples disclosed.

,CLAIMS:We claim:
1. A system for designing a space and facilitating communication between users, comprising:
user interface (1) accessible on a homeowner and architect device;
design idea module (2) configured to store design choices of the homeowner and architect;
inspiration repository (3) configured to store inspirations records generated by the design idea module (2);
moodboard repository (4) configured to store a collection of moodboards generated by design ideas (2) module;
activity streams (5) configured to capture actions taken by the homeowner and architect;
AI engine (6) configured to receive inputs from modules including the design idea (2), inspiration repository (3), moodboard repository (4) and activity streams (5) modules, and offer suggestions for design enhancement;
search engine (7) configured to receive search criteria via the user interface (1) or from the inspiration repository (3), conduct a search and retrieve content;
recommendation AI (8) configured to recommend products that are best suited to the suggestions made by the AI Engine (6);
workflow engine (10) configured to assist the homeowner and architect with managing tasks;
bid engine (11) configured to provide a vendor’s response to a product quote request;
product catalogs (17) configured to store information of vendor products; and
user interface (18) accessible on a vendor’s device.

2. The system as claimed in claim 1 further comprising:
event stream (12) configured to monitor and log actions occurring within the system;
Extract Transform Load (ETL) module (13) configured to extract, transform, load modules in response to reading events from the event stream (12).
analytics store (14) configured to store data received from ETL module (13).

3. The system as claimed in claim 1 further comprising:
analytics engine (15) configured to retrieve and process information in response to a vendor query inputted via user interface (18);
insights module (16) configured to display information provided by the analytics engine (15) on a vendor’s user interface (18).

4. A method for designing a space comprising:
registering a new user, comprising receiving new homeowner or architect information via user interface (1);
creating a design idea (2), comprising receiving and saving design choices from a homeowner or architect via user interface (1);
creating an inspiration repository (3), comprising saving inspirations received from a search engine (7) or from homeowner or architect inputs to a database;
creating a moodboard repository (4), comprising generating a moodboard from design idea (2) and saving to a database;
displaying products matching inspirations, comprising selecting inspirations from inspiration repository (3), Recommendation AI (8) enabling retrieval of products matching the inspirations from products catalogs (17) and displaying on user interface (1); and
purchasing of selected products, comprising the homeowner or architect opting for purchase of a selected product, being redirected to a vendor’s platform, making payment and completing purchase of selected products.

5 The method for designing a space as claimed in claim 4 wherein, when the design idea choices include budget range,
displaying products matching the inspirations in the budget range, comprising Recommendation AI (8) enabling retrieval of matching products in the budget range from Product Catalogs (17) and displaying on user interface (1).

6. The method for designing a space as claimed in claim 4 further comprising:
conducting product quote comparison, comprising a homeowner or architect inputting a product quote request via user interface (1), the request displayed to a vendor on user interface (18), multiple vendors furnishing bids via user interface (18), a bid engine (11) enabling matching of product quote requests with vendor bids and displaying for comparison on user interface (1);
conducting product comparison, comprising a homeowner or architect adding products to a moodboard, selecting a comparison option for the selected products, the product comparison being available to the homeowner or architect on user interface (1); and
requesting additional product details from vendor, comprising the homeowner or architect requesting information on products or scheduling visit to vendor store through user interface (1), the vendor notified on user interface (18).

7. The method for designing a space as claimed in claim 4 wherein, the method further comprises:
conducting visual search for products, comprising tagging a product in an image on user interface (1), selecting product category from a dropdown box, the AI Engine (6) enabling display of matching products on user interface (1);
adding materials and finishes to moodboard, comprising the homeowner or architect selecting materials and finishes to add to a product or importing materials and finishes from public pre-existing moodboards of a homeowner or architect community;
generating enhancements to a design idea (2), a homeowner or architect inputting search criteria via user interface (1), a search engine (7) enabling retrieval of matches; and
rendering an enhanced design idea (9), comprising an AI engine (6) suggesting enhancements, a recommendations engine (8) providing recommendations to generate an enhanced design idea (9) and rendering on user interface (1).

8. The method for designing a space as claimed in claim 4 wherein, the method further comprises:
budgeting the design project costs, comprising a workflow engine (10) enabling budget creation and tracking the price of products selected for the space; and
tracking progress of the design project, comprising a workflow engine (10) enabling monitoring and managing of activities in workflows, enabling task and team management.

9. A method for facilitating communication between users comprising:
registering a new user, comprising receiving new homeowner or architect information via user interface (1) or new vendor information via user interface (18);
storing actions taken by the homeowner or architect to activity streams (5); and
enabling communication between homeowner and architect team members, homeowners and architects communicating with respective teams, homeowner team and architect team members communicating with each other, homeowners and architects communicating with vendors.

10. The method for facilitating communication between users as claimed in claim 9, further comprising:
notification of cost approval and changes, comprising activity stream (5) enabling homeowner to approve budget changes or product quotes, workflow engine (10) enabling the architect to be notified of the approval on user interface (1).

11. The method for facilitating communication between users as claimed in claim 9, comprising,
enabling publishing of a digital portfolio, comprising an architect inputting details on a profile page via user interface (1), the action saved to activity streams (5), the architect creating one or more moodboards saved to moodboard repository (4), the architect making the moodboards public for display on the profile page on user interface (1), for viewing by a user;
enabling hiring of an architect, comprising the homeowner inputting filters, architects matching the filters being displayed on user interface (1), homeowner contacting a selected architect, hiring architect.

12. A method of providing products and services by a vendor for designing a space comprising:
registering a new user, comprising receiving new vendor information via user interface (18);
generating product catalogs (17), comprising vendor uploading product information via user interface (18) to enabling creation and editing of product catalogs;
creating digital showroom, comprising the vendor via user interface (18), uploading and making public product catalogs (17) details for display as a digital showroom on user interface (1);
responding to product query from a homeowner or architect, comprising a bid engine (11) enabling vendor to provide information, place bid in response to the product query via user interface (18), accessible by homeowner and architect on user interface (1); and
utilizing analytics, reports, comprising event stream (12), ETL module (13), analytics store (14), analytics engine (15) and insights module (16) enabling supply of analytics, reports to vendor including descriptive, diagnostic, predictive or prescriptive analytics, to vendor on user interface (18).

13. The method of providing products and services by a vendor for designing a space as claimed in claim 12 comprising:
managing inventory listings, comprising vendor updating product stock quantities, marking products as out of stock, removing listings from product catalogs (17); and
keeping track of key metrics, comprising Insights (16) enabling vendor to track sales performance, sales trends or identify top-selling products.

Dated: 12th day of April 2023
DIGITALLY SIGNED
Annu Alexander (IN/PA-1382)
Constituted Patent Agent for the Applicant