InfoRadar: group and public messaging in the mobile context

Previous research has sought to utilize everyday messaging metaphors, such as the notice board, in location-based messaging systems. Unfortunately, many of the restrictions associated with the metaphors have been unnecessarily reintroduced to interaction, and results from the previous field trials have been disheartening. InfoRadar builds on experiences with these systems by presenting improvements in user interface functionality and services. By providing a novel radar interface for accessing messages, desktop-like temporal storage for messages, location-independent message threading, filtering functionality, contextual audience addressing, multimedia messaging, social activity indicator, and voting, InfoRadar attempts to combine both public and in-group messaging into one system. A preliminary field trial indicates that location-based aspects may have a role in facilitating mobile communication, particularly when it comes to engaging in social interaction with unknown people.

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