A Case Study on Ubiquitous Social Networking: Fusion Mobile

Abstract

This thesis deals with the challenges and opportunities inherent in building a prototype capable of supporting ubiquitous social networking applications on mobile devices. The challenges in the design of mobile application are investigated through a case study that develops a prototype, Fusion Mobile, which is an application for mobile social networking and media sharing. This research is carried out within the context of an ongoing research project P2P-FUSION, which addresses current difficulties in regards to legal, creative reuse of audiovisual media on the internet. The project develops a software system called Fusion, which allows anyone to publish audiovisual content only to the audience they want within a P2P network, as well as through a mobile application. In developing this prototype application (Fusion Mobile), and the user interface in particular, I investigate the design process to find general keys to success in social networking application development for mobile devices. I develop a design framework and use a co-design approach to guide the process. By analyzing the design process, I provide insight to mobile application developers regarding the pros and cons of 1) using a pre-defined design framework to guide application development and 2) involving users and external mobile developers int he design process as co-design partners.