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Q. Can you explain in 60 seconds what a digital strategist is?

A. I'll start with an anecdote. About six or seven years ago I heard a talk by the architect who designed the new Nasher Museum of Art here at Duke University. Someone asked him what the role of an architect was, and he said, "To interpret and to inspire." I really liked that. A lot of what I do in this role is trying to get a better understanding of what the changing needs are, and methods of scholarship in a digital age, and how we produce information, and how we manage it, how we share it, how we preserve it. And to inspire the technology planners to adopt approaches that are holistic and have a long-term view.

Q. Can you explain in 60 seconds what a digital strategist is?

A. I'll start with an anecdote. About six or seven years ago I heard a talk by the architect who designed the new Nasher Museum of Art here at Duke University. Someone asked him what the role of an architect was, and he said, "To interpret and to inspire." I really liked that. A lot of what I do in this role is trying to get a better understanding of what the changing needs are, and methods of scholarship in a digital age, and how we produce information, and how we manage it, how we share it, how we preserve it. And to inspire the technology planners to adopt approaches that are holistic and have a long-term view.

Software for interactions of any type





The most basic communication software — e–mail, discussion forums, chat, wikis, simple Web pages — can be and is used to support interaction of any type, and of intermingling types. No one has yet invented a solution that works better in flexibly responding to the needs of all interactions among identities than these multi–purpose tools. To give a simple example of e–mail use to support each type of interaction:





1. The frequent fads in which people send lists to friends (25 answers to questions about me, 25 things I like) are selection activities: expressions of characteristics–based identity.

2. Many charities, especially those for whom political advocacy is part of their mandate, conduct some of their activities through e–mail lists of concerned members. On responding to such an appeal (to send a letter or a Congressperson, for example), the member is asked to spread the word (i.e., increase the mobilization) on the issue. Family and friends use e–mail in the same way, to influence opinions and choices.

3. Work teams and families use e–mail to negotiate, commit to and reinforce roles and responsibilities related to pursuing common goals.

These are some recommendations for software that supports selection interactions:





1. Selection–support software should enable the quick and easy exchange of information among identities without the need for memberships or other commitments. Fast and fluid pattern formation and dissolution provides an engine for pattern creation, so all information must be open and easily browsed without signing up or forming any sort of commitment.

2. Selection–support software should provide a common currency for exchange which is readily apparent to all without initiation or expertise. Jargon should be minimized, and products and people should be described in simple terms.

3. Selection–support software should provide a means of quick search and comparison of items. This allows purity valuations to be efficient and accurate. Hierarchical categories, ratings, keywords, and thumbnail images give people a quick means of entering into rapid comparison among competing items.