Social Media

Social media are web-based and mobile technologies used to create a level of interaction that is beyond mere social communication. Various forms of social media such as blogs, podcasts, and social networking, allows a unique form of communication between individuals and organizations. Blogs allow for readers to provide comments, creating a level of interaction. Microblogging is a variation of blogging where users brief updates frequently throughout the day (i.e. Twitter). Podcasts are digital audio files that are distributed through the Internet for playback on a computer or portable media device. Photo and video sharing is a way for users to share photographs and videos with other users. Another source of social media that I believe is overlooked are MMORPGs (massively multiplayer online role-playing games) such as World of Warcraft, Star Trek Online, and Meridian 59, which allow for a unique experience in which players can interact at a social level via their characters.

The Design Process

Step 1: As a designer, I have to start off by knowing exactly what my client needs of me. I need to know about his or her product. I have to know what kind of audience the product will be targeting. I need to know what information needs to be presented in order to cover the scope of the problem.

Step 2: From this point, I can can create a brief, an organized document that will help guide me and keep me focused on the project at hand. The brief is a sort of map or blueprint, guiding me step by step through the design process.

Step 3: The next step is to develop personas, imaginary users, and scenarios in order to test how the design works on various users and in various situations. How does the design appeal to individuals or certain demographics?

Step 4: From here, prototypes such as presentations and storyboards can be created to show to a control group from the target audience. Gauging the prototypes' level of success, I can figure out what needs to be tweaked and improved. At this point, I can publish a design for the client.