1. Define what is meant by a social architect?
"While the landscape architect designs physical space, the social architect designs social space" (Learning to Lead, 2003).
The social architect designs and creates social communities, paying particular attention to the way people gather together which is crucial to the way the system functions.
Reference:
Learning to Lead. (2003, August). New Zealand Management, Retrieved September 4, 2009, from Business Source Premier database.
2. Investigate and compare ANY two of the following online communities and become a member.
I investigated the Facebook app Photograb which was the only game available at Shufflebrain and became a Whyville citizen.
3. Use a table to describe the objectives, rules of engagement and unique features of each and report your findings AFTER becoming a member.
4. Try to find out who is behind the organisation and management of each online community. Are they true social architects?
Shufflebrain Inc. is the brainchild of founders Amy Jo Kim, an online community building and video game design professional, and Scott Kim, a web game designer. They manage the company.
Whyville (Numedeon Inc.) was founded in 1999 by CalTech biology professor James Bower who is Numedon's CEO and Chairman of the Board.
Bower fits the description of a true social architect because he designed the way Whyville's citizens interact and function in Whyville. The Kims with their Photograb game have utilised Facebook's social infrastructure rather than designed it themselves but their game could be considered an addition to the way people gather together in Facebook plus they have added unique features of their own such as feedback to gain points and in this sense they are true social architects.
No comments:
Post a Comment