A study on social network services visualization based on user needs

Abstract

In this research, we aim to improve Bridging Social Capital through visualization based on the needs and cultural features of Korean SNS users. According to previous researches, functions such as Expert Search, Connection, and Communication influence on forming Korean SNS users' Bridging Social Capital. Thus, in this research, by conducting the FGI (Focus Group Interview), users' needs and opinions were collected. Then, we developed visualization system through FGI results and observed usage in laboratory setting. The usage observation revealed that our visualization system contributes in the improvement of Bridging Social Capital. These results show that Bridging Social Capital could be improved through visualization based on user needs and reveal that features have to be considered in Korean SNS. Thus we expect that this study has academic and practical significance. © 2011 Springer-Verlag.