The Chat Circles Series: Explorations in designing abstract graphical communication interfaces

摘要

We have been creating a series of graphical chat programs designed to foster social interaction and expressive communication. We started with a spare, minimalist interface and in subsequent programs have modified its fundamental features: background space, individual representation, movement implementation, communication channels, and history depiction. The resulting family of graphical chat programs share many interface features but differ significantly in their feel and function. This paper examines the variations among the interfaces and discusses their implications for social interaction.