iSpace: interactivity expression for self-expression in an online communication environment

In this paper, we suggest interactivity, which defines dynamic and invisible characteristics of an interactive system, as a medium for self-expression in an online communication environment. Since existing means of self-expression are visual- or text-oriented, they cover only a part of one's real self. Interactivity, however, is invisible, but still evokes emotional experiences depending on its value. Therefore, we expected that one's interactivity expression customization would also represent the different dimensions of one's characteristics. This study aims to explore the possibility of interactivity expressions as a new way of self-expression in an online communication environment. By conducting a user study with a social website prototype, namely, iSpace, in which each user's personal site can be distinguished by their different interactivity expressions, this study provides understandings of rationales and patterns of interactivity expressions, and design implications which we expect to inspire designers to consider them strategically in their design practices.