The Community Technologies
Group builds
technology to study and enhance computer mediated collective action. A
variety of tools enable populations to gather and exchange goods and
services. Such systems include: Documents, File systems, Files, Email,
Email lists, Distribution Lists, Newsgroups, Forums, Web Boards, Chats,
IM, MMORPGs, Markets, Social Network Systems, Matchmaking Systems, Blogs,
Wikis, Web Pages, Collectively Authored Databases, SMS, Phone Cams,
Mobile devices, Desktops, Laptops, Displays, and Wireless Networks.
Our group focuses on the systematic
study of the emergent social systems that grow from the collective use
of these tools. We combine social theory with data mining and
information visualization techniques to explore alternative interfaces
to collectively constructed content. A common theme for our group is to
reflect measurements of collective activity back into the systems that
support it.
Our two main goals are:
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To collect, measure, map, and
explore data about social cyberspaces focusing on conversation and
discussion environments.
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To design and prototype collective
interaction tools, interfaces, and visualizations that help people
understand and interact cooperatively with potential partners.
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