Design to Thrive

Social networks and online communities are reshaping the people, both in their personal and professional lives. What makes some succeed and others fail? What draws a user in? What makes them join? What keeps them coming back? Entrepreneurs and businesses are turning to user experience practitioners to figure this out. Though they are well-equipped to create a variety of interfaces, social networks.

Design to Thrive presents tried and tested design methodologies, to be successful and sustainable. The book describes four criteria, called "RIBS," which are necessary for the design of a successful and sustainable online community. These ideas provide design, think about and create ideas, thinks, and ideas.

• Provides essential tools to create social networks, helping designers to avoid common pitfalls, avoid costly mistakes, and to meet that needs






• Contains real world stories from popular, well-known communities to illustrate how the concepts work








• Features a companion online network that employs the techniques outlined in the book

Chapter 1: Introduction

I. Why are virtual communities and social networks so popular?
II. History of virtual communities (spans 30 years - what is fad and what is not)
III. Business justification for implementing virtual communities
IV. Differences between "adhocracy," a "forum," a "group," a "virtual team," a "social network," and a "virtual community"? People are often sloppy, which creates problems for designers.

Chapter 2: What are the factors for sustainable online communities?

I. What is a "heuristic" and why do we need one?
II. RIBS theory / process

Chapter 3: Remuneration

I. What is "remuneration"?
II. Case studies / popular examples?
III. What is the best practice for remuneration?

Chapter 4: Influence

I. What is "influence"?
II. Case studies / popular examples?
III. What is the best practice for business?

Chapter 5: Belonging

I. What is "belonging"?
II. Case studies / popular examples?
III. Best practice strategies for remuneration is functioning?

Chapter 6: Significance

I. What is "significance"?
II. Case studies / popular examples?
III. Best practice strategies for guaranteed significance is functioning?

Chapter 7: Conclusion

I. Summative discussion - lessons learned and how to apply them to designers' work
II. How RIBS can be used to think about designing for emerging media and delivery systems
III. RIBS 'potential for the future of the virtual community and social interface design