Based on Orlikowski’s (1992) study concerning the implementation of Lotus Notes in a business environment, certain assumptions can be made about how 40-60 year olds would adapt to Facebook. Orlikowski (1992) suggests that people’s mental models, or frames play a large role in how they accept new technology. People generally try and approach new technology as they would more familiar software. The problem with this, as Orlikowski finds out through his examination of employee’s use of Lotus Notes is that individuals may not understand the full benefits of the new technology, and will miss out on some of its functions.
Therefore, a “how to” book on facebook would have to emphasize all of its rewards: connection with people far away, sharing photos, learning about someone’s interests, sending out party invitations, etc. It is important to frame facebook in a positive light, and let people fully understand all of its capabilities, so that they can form an appropriate mental model for the technology.
Drawing on the mistakes made in the office where Orlikowski’s (1992) study took place, a new approach can be adopted in the “how to” book. It is important to have good communication about facebook's features, to train the individuals thoroughly and to make the rewards and incentives for using the technology clear.
After outlining all of the benefits of using facebook, The best way to make it a useable application for individual’s 40-60 would be to have step by step numbered instructions. It is likely that they do not have a mental model of this kind of technology, so its important to help them develop one. The book should be divided up into different sections correlating with the different sections of facebook (pictures, applications, the wall, the news feed, etc.) In each section, would be the different features. For example, in “the wall” section there would be detailed instructions on how to: write on the wall, read other’s wall posts, and how to “wall to wall” two people. After each set of instructions would be a list of the benefits or rewards of using that feature.
Breaking facebook down into sections makes the software less overwhelming, and more user-friendly. Constantly reminding users of the various rewards provides incentives for them to use the technology.
Grudin (2004) would suggest that a possible way to test the effectiveness of the technology, in this case would be to ask people about the quality of the relationships they are maintaining through facebook. Whether or not it is easier to keep in touch now that they incorporate facebook into their lives? After forming a new mental model of this technology, users in this age group should enjoy all the benefits Facebook has to offer.
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I really like the approach you've taken to introducing the older user to Facebook! I like how you emphasize the benefits of features such as Events and Photos, and constantly reinforce the rewards users will gain from the use of Facebook.
ReplyDeleteOne thing that I noticed you left out was the Applications section. Although it can be challenging and time consuming to navigate through the various apps, I think the ability to play familiar games such as Scrabble will greatly enrich the user's experience.
You don't quite mention how you will connect the seemingly different technology that is Facebook to the preexisting technological frames these users possess.
ReplyDeleteYou mention that you would mention the rewards of using each feature, but what do you think would the best or overall greatest reward for this age demographic in using Facebook?