The interactive starting point of Web 2.0
Web 2.0 has transformed the Internet from one-way browsing into two-way interaction. Previously, Web pages merely displayed content. However, Web 2.0 began to allow users to write comments, tag, and create personal profiles. These interactive methods have helped the platform gradually form a sense of community. Technically, for instance, the application of Ajax enables web pages to be updated without refreshing. I think this has greatly improved the user experience and made people willing to interact more frequently.
Today’s interactive changes
Today’s interaction is no longer solely based on clicks and inputs, but rather relies more on AI and algorithmic recommendations. In the past, one had to like, comment and share by oneself. Now, many applications will push content and generate recommendations based on personal habits, such as music platforms or video applications. Moreover, tools like Google Docs for multi-person collaboration have also transformed interaction from single-person operation to real-time cooperation among multiple people. I think these experiences have been constantly evolving on the basis laid by Web 2.0.
Designing for Connection
For the reading materials, Christopher Alexander’s patterns, like “Small Public Squares” and “Networks of Paths,” are surprisingly relevant to digital spaces today. A “small square” creates a welcoming, human-scaled space where people feel comfortable interacting, much like niche online communities. “Networks of paths” ensure that users can discover each other’s contributions through multiple routes, whether through tags, feeds, or search. So I believe these patterns remind us that good social design is not just about features, but about creating spaces where meaningful connections can happen.