Exploring personal broadcast channels for rich media sharing in close relationships

Building on the Internet (IP) platforms available on mobile devices and personal computers (PCs), we implemented a service called weConnect that facilitates broadcast of content via dedicated and personal media channels. weConnect includes simple tools for integrating content into media 'mixes' and provides 'content viewers' for ubiquitous access to weConnect channels via mobile, desktop, and other IP enabled devices. In this paper we present an exploratory user study based on deployment of the weConnect service among individuals in close relationships. The study focuses on the user perception and experience with the 'always-on' channels, delivering personalized content. We started with images, text, and animations as familiar and easily accessible media. We observed a high level of reciprocity in creating and exchanging expressive content and a need for persistence, reuse, and notification of content delivery. The users voiced their enthusiasm for receiving personalized media across mobile and desktop devices. The always-on nature of the weConnect channels raised new requirements for the service design to assist content producers with creating streams of personalized media efficiently and to enable recipients to view the content flexibly.