The Fun Side of Social Networks
As Social Graphs become more prevalent within the workplace, the necessity grows to include graphical representations of the people in the networks.
Photos work. But avatars are more fun. They add a sense of whimsy and creativity to those terrible ID photos. It's also a way that users are drawn in - engaged - encouraged to participate with the technology. The ability to create your own stylized (idealized) mood indicating avatar is a nice-to-have.
I spent just a couple minutes this morning playing with doppelMe. It's a no training required avatar creator. I created several that I now use on our internal social network here at the big O.
Try it out and let me know what you think.
