RadioActive: Enabling large-scale asynchronous audio discussions on mobile devices

Current mobile technology works well to connect individuals together at any time or place. However, general focus on one-to-one conversations has overlooked the potential of always-on group and community links. I hypothesize that asynchronous persistent audio is a superior medium to support scalable always-on group communication for mobile devices. To evaluate this claim, one must first have an adequate interaction design before its possible to investigate the qualities and usage patterns over the longterm. This design does not exist for mobile devices. This thesis takes the first step in this direction by creating and evaluating an initial design called RadioActive. RadioActive is a technological and interaction design for persistent mobile audio chat spaces, focusing on the key issue of navigating asynchronous audio. If RadioActive is shown to be a good design in the long-term, I hope to prove with additional studies the value of asynchronous persistent audio. In this thesis I examine related work, describe RadioActive from a methodologically constrained bottom-up approach, discuss the theoretical rationale behind the design, what seems to work, what doesn't, and suggestions for the future. Thesis Supervisor: Judith S. Donath Title: Associate Professor of Media Arts and Sciences 3