Harnessing the Power of the Masses

By Chua Yi JonathaniX Conference – Speak Out on ICT

Ultimate Digital Media E-mail, search engines, blogs, information

sharing, etc. Brings together people from all over the

globe Web 2.0

Services run by users, for users Wikipedia Google Photobucket

http://atp.nlb-online.org/Lessons/unit6/unit6.4/images/internet.gif

Web 2.0 rule: Collective intelligence ≥ Developers

Communities are created by users to enhance products for own usages

Instead of being passive, companies should embrace collective intelligence

Objectives Allow average users to contribute to software

development System in which both users and company profit

Features User has incentives and means for contribution Company provides tools for software

modification Greater user-developer communication Encourage collective intelligence

Software editor Customized for average users Increased “hackability” Flexible plug-in functions for modifications

Forum Direct & daily communication with developers

User incentives Points system for value and quantity of

contributions

Software editorSoftware editorCore software engine

Core software engine

Main functionsMain functions

Default librariesDefault libraries

Bundled data

Downloadable data

User-made functions

Online user-submissionsOnline user-submissions

Developer tools

distributed online

Large, productive user base Ability to develop enhancements to current

software engine “Free” manpower, sustained product growth

Rich user experience Greater customizability “For users, by users” Extensive libraries of data available online

Costs Maintaining servers for large amounts of data

is expensive Creation of suitable plug-in software takes

time and money Developer’s active role

Has to actively reach out to community and analyse suggestions/submissions

Long term commitment to project

Companies should be actively embracing collective intelligence

In doing so, there are great benefits to be gained for both sides

Proposed extension to current commercial software system: Software editor Plug-in function Online forum/upload system