Designing "interacting places" for a student community using a communicative ecology approach

  • Authors:
  • Nemanja Memarovic;Marc Langheinrich;Elisa Rubegni;Andreia David;Ivan Elhart

  • Affiliations:
  • University of Lugano, Lugano, Switzerland;University of Lugano, Lugano, Switzerland;University of Lugano, Lugano, Switzerland;University of Lugano, Lugano, Switzerland;University of Lugano, Lugano, Switzerland

  • Venue:
  • Proceedings of the 11th International Conference on Mobile and Ubiquitous Multimedia
  • Year:
  • 2012

Quantified Score

Hi-index 0.00

Visualization

Abstract

In the age of online social networks, local communities still play an essential role in supporting social cohesion. In this paper we present a study that explores the design of "interacting places" -- networked public multimedia services that foster community awareness between local members -- in the context of a student community. In order to have interacting places "fit in" with the existing communication practices of the students, we performed and analyzed a set of semi-structured interviews with n=17 students regarding their use of email, social networking services, and instant messaging to stay in touch with others. A follow-up online survey (n=76) then explored how networked public multimedia services could complement these practices. Following a "communicative ecology" approach -- a conceptual model that represents the technical, social, and discursive contexts of communication -- we draw up guidelines to support the design of both content and channels (applications) for interacting places in student communities.