The social graph would be one way to rebuild mobile interfaces properly, Iannucci said. The most natural way to structure an interface is with a "noun-verb" syntax, where users go to a name or object and then carry out an action with it. That makes more sense to humans than the frequently used "verb-noun" structure, where users have to start an application and then find the person or object they want to act on with it, he said.

Two of the biggest challenges in making this standard platform a reality are how to make it work on devices that aren't always connected to a network and how to get it off the ground in a way that doesn't turn off the partners it needs.

Though the social graph would reside in a cloud, parts of it would have to be replicated onto devices, Iannucci said. In addition to keeping the interface available outside coverage areas, this would take advantage of less-expensive processing power available on the device. Making the problem harder is the fact that the interface would organize all kinds of rich content related to individuals, such as photos and videos, in addition to the individuals' profiles and contact information, he said.