Evaluating Anonymous Social Networking for HIV Patients with Social Prototypes

Socialization is an important conduit of information, and particularly so in developing countries. Ironically, People Living with HIV/ AIDS (PLHA) avoid socialisation among themselves as well as among others because of stigma. We describe a unique Anonymous Social Networking (ASN) product for PLHA called “Sangam” that uses an Interactive Voice Response System (IVRS). We evaluated our design by simulating the interaction of the proposed social networking system among the PLHA by using simple tools such as phones and computers. We call this method “Social Prototyping”. This method allowed us to gauge the response PLHA might have with such a system and also helped us evolve the design. It also enabled us to deeply involve the PLHA, designing WITH the people, rather than FOR the people. We found the method simple yet effective. And yet, it gave rise to interesting questions to investigate in future.