Buddy lists are a main feature of virtual third place environments and have the potential to do more for its users, especially since these virtual communities are being sought after to fill the void of the depleting physical third place. I question the design of tools, like the buddy list, and whether or not they are compatable with how participants are using the space. This design investigation starts to wonder how these tools could be different? What other functions could the buddy list space privilege (in addition to online status)? What could this information look like and how could it facilitate connections in online communities? I approached this query as a spatial investigation centering on how users relate to their friends and how the friends relate to each other.
the current graphic standard
As of now, these iterations keep the same minimizing and messaging controls of original buddy lists.
I. friend connectedness
Here the contacts tab in the virtual environment is a structurally dynamic container - where online participants move around, and offline icons are static. Friends that are connected are automatically pulled closer in proximity, so the arrangement of the buddy icons constantly react to other people's online activity. These instantaneous groupings reveal commonalities among your contacts that are currently unseen.
II. online time
This format privileges the amount of computer activity spent in the virtual community; longer durations of time result in a placement closer to the front of the line on your friend’s buddy list. I am not necessarily focused on motivating people to invest more of their time in virtual communities, but it would be interesting to see if a buddy list format could encourage a specific behavior. Would users consciously/subconsciously stay logged in for longer periods of time to keep their place in line?
III. audio clips
Buddy icons are given the dual purpose of being an identifying image and self recorded sound clip. Users would be able to make public updates or private messages with the advantage of using their own voice. These recordings are a small level of exposure that still protects anonymity and works harder (than what is being currently used) to connect friends. If anything, it finally reaffirms that Sheila is not really a guy.
IV. virtual location
This format acts as a map that constantly lets you know where you are in relation to your friends. Not only does it say who is online, but where you can go to meet up with them. Users would be forced to explore the space in order to see where their friends are, which could potentially encourage the assembly of groups - since popoulated areas would be visible on the map.
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