Connector is a hybrid chat application that allows users to meet and chat to others who are browsing the same www.bbc.co.uk web page. Making pages virtual meeting points, this original proposition combines the best of an instant messenger with simultaneous group chat with up to 5 users. It is a web-based java application, which requires no installation, making it accessible to most all computers even with basic specifications.
Also known as "Chat Around Content", Connector was an exploratory project that aimed to find new ways of supporting communities based on topics of common interest. Until Connector, BBC Chatrooms closed down around 11pm GMT to control the cost of moderating, which was prohibitive to maintain around the clock. Connector's 'On Demand' moderation system is scaleable, thus enabling chat to stay open 24 hours. The BBC's remit is to offer best practice services alongside innovation, Connector is an application that offers safety levels distinctly beyond those of comparable products and UK Home Office guidelines.
The idea was that eventually BBC Television and Radio personalities, as well as programme production staff would also use Connector, offering the public a direct channel of feedback to the BBC and their favourite BBC presenters.
Connector is also one of the safest of its kind with an on demand moderation system that was custom designed and built with the product.
My Role: User Experience Design Lead
Skills: Design Direction & Facilitation; Interaction Design; Brand Development; Graphic Design; User Testing and Interviews, Contextual Enquiry
Core Team: Anthony Colfelt; Alice Taylor; Priya Prakash; Joe Rattigan; Mala Vadhia; Mark McClure; Chris Jordan; John Sloman; Gaynor Burns; Craig Rees
URL: http://www.bbc.co.uk/connector (you will need to register to use this product).