…technology second
“Social tools don’t fit well into the HCI paradigm. While the interface is important, it is not as important as the way social relationships are negotiated. Napster was not a good interface, but the social desire to share overcame that. Many of the Articulated Social Networking tools are the same - a pain in the ass to use, but worth it because of the social component.” (Q-Link).

Point well taken! Following the entry on Social Tools at the ubiquitous Anne Galloway I was directed to some interesting thoughts at the Operating Manual for Social Tools and on to the very enjoyable read on Tracing the Evolution of Social Software - Browsing is great fun, and it makes you think! Following these fine entries, I might say, that from any perspective Social factors seems to have grown equally important than factors of i.e. Usability. Take the SMS service as an ample example of this, to my opinion it basically defies any law of usability and human factors, but still it has brought a multitude of smart-mobbing endavours, that in many respects lead and creates human culture. But how can we ever plan or design for these occurrences.
Firstly demystify technology - it’s nothing without people (- formerly known as users) coming together around it, we need human actors rather than human factors“.
Secondly we need more critical and reflective approaches to technology, no aspect of technological fit to users, is more precious or justified than the accidental social contextual (mis)use of technology.
And thirdly (and perhaps importantly) we need to deeper study of the true nature of human use of technology phenomenon! Care to join!?