As a preparation for an upcoming paper, we decided to play the Insight game. This is a simple process of examining something under high scrutiny using theoretical frameworks and creating insights and meaning from them. We were split up into two different large groups, and then split further into smaller groups and took a look at an interaction.

The theoretical frameworks we ended up utilizing were the 4 threads of experience (from Technology as Experience), the 8 main bullet points of interaction criticism, and the main points from networks of remediation. After we were done examining each interaction from these frameworks, we were asked to come up with a killer insight. This insight is from the culmination of many other insights generated through these frameworks, which could be used as a thesis of a paper (which we are encouraged to do so).

“Killer” Insights

One group chose to examine Facebook. Their killer insight was that there is a choosable, variable level of connectedness one can have with Facebook.

Another group also chose to examine Facebook as well. They came to the realization that it is too hypermediated for its own good – their and our professor’s words.

One group chose to take a look at Pandora internet radio. They found out that this site uses the strengths of the radio and internet media to create a fluid music experience.

Another group chose to also look at Pandora internet radio. They came to a conclusion that Pandora starts off with a trust-making behavior, but has aspects of it which can break one’s trust with Pandora.

One other group decided to take a look at Twitter. They realized that Twitter is still an emergent medium, and the meaning of Twitter is still being discovered and in its infancy.

Were there any other killer insights?