A Future with Interactive Design

Interactivity in social media stems from the connections users make with one another.  Many connections are made based on similar interests or meeting someone through a friend-of-a-friend.  Connections are established through blog subscribers, mini-blog subscribers, or social network users.  Even if a connection is made that doesn’t mean interactivity has occurred.

Connections must be acted upon.  Interactivity requires a dialogue with other users to create solid relationships that are beneficial to each person.  Rules of interactivity are simple, maintain conversations and respond to questions and opinions.

It is important to remember that users control interactivity.  The easier and more attractive interactive tools are; the more likely they will be used.  Users are looking for features to entice them to want more.  Interactive design is the perfect way to attract users.

Most blogs incorporate interesting designs, but the biggest place for interactive designs are social networks such as Face Book and Twitter.  However, each social network goes about their design concepts in different ways.

Face Book applications provide fun and exciting ways to meet new people and make more connections with people sharing similar interests.  Through these new connections Face Book then provides a simple way to view what your friends are doing.  Their design displays one status feed that represents your updates and those who update to you.

This design feature is convenient, but not the only option.  According to, A Social Interaction Design (SxD) blog on Web 2.0 and Social Media, a blog written by Adrian Chan Twitter does not follow the standard design elements to create ease and excitement for users.  The design is simple, but shows two-way update feeds.  Chan explains that this provides a more open and flexible way of communicating.  Twitter gives users the option to tweet on a “whenever/wherever” basis.  Some feel this could cause problems.  Many people feel everyone will not respond automatically, and the purpose of tweeting for one person may not be received in the same manner as another.

Interactive design is growing within each social network.  New applications and tools are being designed and improved everyday.  The Johnny Holland Magazine’s blog is solely based on interaction.  In the blog post, “Social Interaction Design Primer II: 6. What’s next”, they describe the future of interactive designs and the effects it will have on social media.  These ideas are important and will continue to update users on the current actions and status’s of their connections.  It will create more communication, as well as better relationships.