Designing in Second Life

Hi guys,

I’m quite new to Second Life and over the past few months have spent more time reading about it then actually using it. I'm currently studying for a degree in Industrial and have found SL that interesting that I'm now writing a dissertation on it.

What I really need is SL users to take a quick look at my questionnaire and hopefully answer a few questions for me. It won't take long and I promise it won't be a painful experience. Please please help, and if anyone has any other pearls of wisdom then I'd love to hear them.

I try to keep up to date with alot of the SL blogs that are kicking around so hopefully I do know a bit about whats going on.

The questionnaire can be found at:

http://www.questionpro.com/akira/TakeSurvey?id=662182

Thanks alot

Adam

I would consider answering that survey, but we really have no reason to believe that you are a university student. Identity is a very fluid concept here in SL.

Plus the last question on the first page, why did you join, it won't let me choose all of them, which would be the truth.

Hi Warda

Sorry about that question... If its possible could you post the most important reason for you joining. Any other feedback on the questionnaire is useful because it will be noted in the dissertation as a issue that arose through research.

In terms of proving my University status... I have a university email address which is included on the bottom of the survey pages. If you emailed me at this address I could reply to confirm that its not a bogus email account.

I hope this helps

Adam

thats not about designing in SL, that was more about corporations. Thanks for wasting my time.

Who what where.......You know there is a proper setup for asking this type of survey. Let alone the needs to be a professional and documented fashion. Eithics is another factor when doing and giving survey. None are of those apply to yours.......

Couple of notes:
I've got different usage patterns so stated the one for whenI've got something to do, otherwise it's monthly-ish and erratic.

I couldn't answer the last question, since it's complicated and I've got developed views on it. I'll happily discuss it in more detail if you want though.

Thanks for bringing Dotsoul Cyberpunk to my attention, that's a new one to me. EDIT: Uh, you know that's an Active Worlds site don't you?

Your designing isn't somebody else's designing. If it was I would have aced my degree.

The rank values page? This is a corporate survey. Why not just say so?

has this been approved by people from your university? If it was then they lack control...

Now do I get a coupon for a free donut or something?

Really, what's the harm in it?

Well if you understand there is a reviewer of survey on a univerity level. They are suppose to check and monitor the content, it appears his prof either gave him the rightaway with it or wahtever.....

here is a link.......

http://www.casro.org/codeofstandards.cfm

Assuming it's not a shoddy data collection firm; it's an innocent questionnaire, nobody's being forced to give any information and it's not going to be used for malicious purposes. Even if it is then really the only harm that's likely to come is junk mail, and if you're that worried about junk mail then don't fill it in.

Why does everyone have to think the worst the whole time? It's leading to stupid laws saying that teachers can't give a hug to a four year old who's really hurt themselves or upset.

Morning guys...

Didn't realise I'd awake having stirred up a hornets nest.

I am a student, my questionnaire was approved and it as its my first time writing any real body of evidence I apologise if it doesn't meet some of your high standards. In my degree 4 year degree in Industrial Design this is probably only the second time we have had to write an essay style piece so thats the reason if its rusty round the edges.

The dissertation is entitled "An investigation in to the design activity in SL". There is things about corporations in it as a large section of the dissertation is finding out their reasons for using SL and what the future implications of this will be.

I was considering having a second questionnaire specifically for the people doing object creation within SL. I appreciate your feedback (most of it) and I'll look to take it on board.

Thanks

Adam

The introduction (although already started) of corporates into SL has many benefits and as some see it, pitfalls. The main benefit which cannot be denied, is the investment into to technology and the infrastructure, which is sorely needed if this 'game' is to progress any further. The 'pitfalls' as I see it, is that there are many out there that fear 'takeovers', 'big brother' etc. If you want independance, you can have it, if you want investors, you can have them, if you want control over what you do, for the most part you have. If you want SL as a viable platform to exist in the future, it needs investment, 9USD a month account fee will not cut it anymore.
Those that fear corporate inclusion into this environment the most, would possibly be those that have made a lot of money from using copyright materials.

I welcome the 'corporate' companies to 'play' in this unique platform, maybe they can learn a thing or two about how business is run on a personal level, it may even seep into RL. If nothing else, a few 1,000USD will help secure the future for us all.

Please Read:
Is it alright to ask other Residents to take surveys?
It basically says: Do not break the rules or induce people to break the rules in the course of your survey.

(for the long time posters)
It seems LL has removed the guidelines on ethical research in SL. Last I heard about them was that as long as the the project was approved by the university contact with LL was not required.

nothing wrong with helping the guy out jesus, give em a break

I'd just like to say thanks to everyone thats done the survey so far... I posted this on a few other forums but got hardly any response, so you are leading the way.

So far about 25 people have done it but i'm optimistically looking at getting 50 so keep them coming.

Thanks again

Adam

Adam, it's worth noting that the marketing companies like Toyota do in SL is considered by a lot of people to be more useful in getting RL press coverage than actually being a worthwhile campaign on it's own right now.

Thank you for bring this up.It does seem they have lefted it, then again you can`t have PR without alittle bs on the side..

Seemed harmless enough. I filled it out; we'll see what happens (or most likely not - the one thing I'd wish survey people to do is post their results).

Good luck with it.

I'd be happy to post the results on here just as soon as I've got the numbers...

Would this be reasonable, or is this unethical? Some people seem to know alot more about this subject area than me so I'd be happy for someone to tell me either way.

Thanks

As I have said before, I intended to post a second questionnaire to be filled in specifically by people who are doing substantial designing in SL? To make sure all the relevant issues are addressed I've roughed out some questions which I will turn into a proper questionnaire. If anyone would care to comment on there suitability then this would help me improve my questionnaire quality.

Design Questionnaire
Avatar Name?
SL design speciality?
Employees who work for you or alongside you in a SL company?
In which way do you use SL to design?
Do you design things in the RW, and if so, in which ways?
Have you ever used SL to collaborate with others on a group design project?
Have any of the objects you have produced in SL been produced in the real world?
What advantages do you find that designing in SL has?
What disadvantages do you find that designing in SL has?

Thanks

Adam