HipHopHippotomi|Final Report|Model Authoritative VS Model

Final Course Project: Model Authoritative VS. Model Democratic

Team Hiphophippotomi

Ariel Aguilar & Jon Mai

Abstract 
The distinguishing feature between model authoritative and model democratic design methodologies in a real world setting is a designer’s intent to communicate with its users. Model authoritative is typically characterized by a small group of professionals that create strong input filters, limiting the overall product released to users while improving the accuracy of what is released. Model democratic has a broader designer base, in which any and all users have the capability of contributing as they please, broadening the base of all knowledge. Given the initial designer’s goal for his product and the type of environment he wishes to establish surrounding this product, one model may be more fitting than the other. Those wishing to simply provide information would prefer the model authoritative methodology whereas those working to expand on unknown circumstances may prefer the model democratic methodology. Two steps have been taken to explore these models: making suggestions to improve an existing model authoritative site and the creation of a Knol page. It is postulated that both steps shall result in stepping from a passive consumer to a prosumer (the hybrid between a consumer and a producer), although the outcome creates a deep contrast between the two methodologies (Fischer 2009).

Keywords:

model authoritative, model democratic, human centered design, information repository, passive consumer, prosumer, meta-design, underdesign

Problem/Goal

Given technology is such an important part of everyday life, it is expected that more of the population is becoming tech savvy. Aware of this, curiosities arose concerning whether the world as a whole, especially in technological terms was leaning towards model democratic methodologies. The concept of meta-design focuses on “designing for designers”. It was born from the rooted understanding that a number of design methodologies anticipate the usage and capabilities of a product at the time of development. However, with changing needs and a variety of applications that cannot be anticipated prior to product release, meta-design innovators claim such products ought to be designed to be flexible. Although this requires much more complex interactions between users and product upon public release, prosumers have the power to modify and evolve the product to suit their individual needs (Fischer 2007). Studies and statistics of meta-design clearly favor a model democratic design methodology.

The goal was to come to enough of an understanding of the differences and benefits of both model authoritative and model democratic design methodologies to investigate current web conditions and determine whether an organization would want to change their current web presence. The two sites in question are http://knol.google.com and http://www.nationalhomeless.org. Knol encourages all users to “share what [they] know” (Knol). Initially, the team members of Hiphophippotomi had planned on creating a Wikipedia page. The change in database was made based on findings and requirements discovered of Wikipedia pages. Although Wikipedia allows all users to contribute as they please, the basis that it is still an online encyclopedia slightly limits the pages posted. Wikipedia editors have the right to delete a page or sections of a page that they find don’t fit the Wikipedia criterion ("Wikipedia: What Wikipedia is Not"). Writing a Knol page, however, allows boundless freedom. Therefore, writing a Knol page provides a more model democratic type base than Wikipedia does. The National Coalition for the Homeless is a national network of people including those who have or are experiencing homelessness, activists, advocates and service providers (National Coalition for the Homeless) . Their site has more than enough information to suit the needs of each of those involved in their network, however a few changes could be made to improve accessibility. Public reactions to prosumers wishing to make significant contributions to each site are very interesting. Subsequent results will also prove to be interesting and of importance to the study of model authoritative and model democratic methodologies.

Methodologies

Contributions to the Knol site take nothing more than a user account and a keyboard. Making suggestions to the National Coalition for the Homeless site involved seeking the right contacts and providing convincing arguments as to why certain changes could be beneficial.

In depth research and investigations took place relevant to model authoritative and model democratic methodologies prior to deciding on creating a Knol and contacting the National Coalition for the Homeless web developer. We live in a world in which both model authoritative and model democratic systems comfortably coexist. Lego – the toy building block offers kits that guide children in either creating desirable models or buckets full of various sizes and types of blocks that they can utilize as they please. The concept of a physical building block and do-it-yourself models versus free building paired with which is preferred is nothing more than the battle between model authoritative and model democratic methodologies. When it comes to fashion, we question if conformity establishes a sense of belonging. Also, what does it take to introduce something new? What risk is a developer willing to take? Prior to releasing new ideas, does a designer not evaluate our chance of success? When it comes to energy and energy consumption, are most users conscious that they are paying for what they use or do they simply adhere to the “standard package” for the passive consumer? In the midst of research, the internet and the availability of information arose. Do internet users strive for reliability of information (depth) or variety of information (breadth)? Does the second choice lead to an increase in the amount of junk polluting the internet as we know it? Given that more junk does need to be sifted through to get desired information, this may force users to evolve from passive users to prosumers, but is the time and irritation that subsequently arises worth this evolution? Many may claim they are “too busy” to become prosumers in multiple dimensions and would prefer to be experts on a smaller range of subjects. Thus stated, it can be said one should only contribute to what one truly knows and what he’s interested in. Also, if there’s only so much time in a day one must be practical with time distribution. If each individual takes care of their time distribution in an effective manner, we can come to trust experts in making executive decisions in their expertise. On the other hand, does taking such a standpoint contradict the fact that man is inherently social and could it be true that collaboration with other individuals is critical to creativity? This brings up the symmetry of ignorance and very complex problems may require more than the contributions of any given individual and his work (Fischer 2005).

All these controversial standpoints and questions lead team Hiphophippotomi to our interest in available websites and the power of the user, compelling us towards our study.

7.     Related Work

7.1.   use this section to argue the uniqueness of your contribution

7.2.   Relationship of your Project to the Themes discussed in the Course

8.     Characterization of the Individual Contributions

9.     Findings and Results (indicate specifically the aspect of the project you are most proud of)

References

Fischer, G. (2005) "Distances and Diversity: Sources for Social Creativity,"Proceedings of Creativity & Cognition, London, April, pp. 128-136.http://l3d.cs.colorado.edu/~gerhard/papers/creativity-cognition-2005.pdf

Fischer, G. (2007): "Meta-Design: Expanding Boundaries and Redistributing Control in Design", Proceedings of the Interact'2007 Conference, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, September, pp. 193-206;http://l3d.cs.colorado.edu/~gerhard/papers/Interact-2007.pdf

Fischer, G. (2009): "Democratizing Design: New Challenges and Opportunities for Computer-Supported Collaborative Learning", In Proceedings (Vol 1) of CSCL'2009: 8th International Conference on Computer Supported Collaborative Learning, June 8-13, 2009, University of the Aegean, Rhodes, Greece, pp 282-286,http://l3d.cs.colorado.edu/~gerhard/papers/2009-CSCL-paper.pdf

Knol. Google, 2009. Web. 9 Dec. 2010. <http://knol.google.com/k>.

National Coalition for the Homeless. Web. 9 Dec. 2010. <http://www.nationalhomeless.org/>.

"Wikipedia: What Wikipedia is Not." Wikipedia. N.p., 8 Dec. 2010. Web. 9 Dec.
 2010. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:What_Wikipedia_is_not>.