A novel life cycle of collaborative methods for the design of social software

Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) has devised many methods to support usercentred design (Mayhew, 1999; Nielsen, 1993). Nevertheless, there is an increasing need for design methods that support the unique set of requirements found in social software. We identify the key aspects of social software that distinguish it from nonsocial software and go on to describe a design lifecycle that has been successfully implemented in the design of a communication and contact management and visualisation tool prototype. The multidisciplinary team engaged in collaborative user-centred research and design. The techniques used to support this are described. Also discussed are the ways in which collaboration was facilitated, with a focus on the accommodation of the multidisciplinary nature of the team. The research findings suggested differences in social network size between age groups, as well as different methods of social network visualisation in both visual design and structure. The paper describes how each methodology in the lifecycle was conducted and lists the advantages and limitations of each, providing suggestions for improvements where possible. Scope for further work is discussed and a synopsis of the main findings is presented.