Izma Shabbir

Reading Response 7 – Social Design

November 10, 2024

 

In chapter 7 of Artful Design, Ge talks about the different relationships we have in our life, and how we should design differently for users in these relationships. On page 358, the chapter discusses the distinctions between technology and human interaction. Principle 7.3 states that technology should strive to get out of the way of human interaction, and the more familiar relationships should have less imposing design. This concept reminded me of a Cal Newport’s book, Digital Minimalism. Many of the lessons I learned in that read resonate with principle 7.3. I reflected on my notes from Digital Minimalism. I don’t follow all of the notes I took, but would like to get to a point where I am. I used this week’s reading response as a way to reflect on the lessons I learned in Digital Minimalism as they pertain to social design.

 

  1. Start with a 30 day cleanse of social media and apps. Then, actively introduce the things that will benefit you in that moment. Not just the technology that you might one day need.
  2. Just because something is ‘technology’ does not mean it’s the best way to consume information. For example, reading a newspaper twice a week is probably better than breaking news alerts on your phone.
  3. Do not always be on. Put your phone on do not disturb and have a block of time in the morning or night to respond to digital communications.
  4. Have a set time where you’re available to chat with friends and let friends know that time. This will solve the problem of always feeling like you need to be on hold for your friends and that you always need to be reachable.
  5. Don’t maximize – it’s not about finding what social media might have potential opportunity and solving for all use cases. Pick a technology/social media that serves you now.
  6. Based on research, generally, people who use social media are less happy.
  7. Don’t like and comment on social media – it makes your brain think that trivial comments are key to develop in-person relationships.
  8. If you’re worried you won’t be friends with someone without social media, you’re not meant to be that person’s friend.
  9. Humans weren’t made to keep up with 50+ people at a time – that’s something that is very new to the past ten years. It’s better to keep up with the 10 -15 people you can keep up with in a sustainable, meaningful way.
  10. Engage in active leisure – spending time doing things with your hands.
  11. Social media is ‘low-quality’ leisure. Schedule this time, like half an hour on Instagram a week.
  12. Plan seasonal leisure.