instructors

Jeffrey Heer

Sep Kamvar

winter 2010

CS294H: Social Software

Tuesdays 3:15pm - 4:15pm and Thursdays 3:15pm - 5:05pm, Econ 104

Many of the most successful web applications are social, including personalized services and social networks. You will learn the fundamental interface, systems, and algorithms concepts in designing social software. You will contribute to this burgeoning field through a quarter-long, team-based project. You are highly encouraged to enter the class with an initial project idea.

Each week will feature a balance of instruction and hands-on design. A one-hour lecture and discussion section will focus on both design principles and real-world experiences building social systems. Studio sessions will focus on the collaborative design and development of new social software systems.

Students in this course are encouraged to attend CS547, the HCI seminar, on Fridays from 12:50 - 2:00pm.

syllabus & readings

  Tuesday Thursday
Week 1 Jan 5
The Value of Social Software
Jan 7
Studio
Week 2 Jan 12
Interaction Design
Jan 14
Studio
Week 3 Jan 19
Conversation & Media Effects
Jan 21
Studio
Week 4 Jan 26
Identity & Reputation
Jan 28
Studio
Week 5 Feb 2
Community & Networks
Feb 4
Studio
Week 6 Feb 9
Peer Production
Feb 11
Studio
Week 7 Feb 16
Incentives
Feb 18
Studio
Week 8 Feb 23
Play
Feb 25
Studio
Week 9 Mar 2
Recommendation & Personalization
Mar 4
Studio
Week 10 Mar 9
Evaluation
Mar 11
Studio
Finals Week TBD
Final Presentations
 

books referenced in the course

requirements & grading

Prerequisites:

Attendance and participation in class is mandatory.

Grading: Each assignment is graded out of a set amount of points (these can be seen on each assignment's page). These points, combined with class/studio participation (75 points), add up to a total of 1000 points.

late work & absence policy

No late assignments will be accepted, but you may submit them early.