I did not attend class today but I have on occasion visited a number of websites. After reviewing a number of web pages, I realize that it is very important to analyze your audience before setting up your page. Based on the composition of your audience different elements should be used on your site to meet their needs. Example, for children don't use difficult words, use lots of colors and characters they are familiar with. For seniors, who may not be familiar with computers, a similar design scheme is required and the fonts should be large. When addressing those familiar with Internet and web pages you should make sure you balance your page and not make it too simple.
You should avoid cramming too much information into a small portion of the page. Spread the text around. If you are using multiple columns of text, make sure the font size is legible and bright enough to be displayed on most monitors. You must also make sure the back button and forward button are available for use at all times. If a user is accessing a secured screen that requires a login, make sure there is a logout button available on that screen.
Also include a "contact us" link for your users so they find it easy to contact you to provide feedback or ask questions.
One of the best web pages I’ve accessed is the Dell Corporation webpage. The page is evenly balanced and has a link that will fit any users’ needs. There is a consistent use of the company logo as well as the company colors. Their page include all of the items mentioned above and also appears to have artificial intelligence built into some pages that counts the number of times you access the same page. If you access the same page a certain number of times a pop up appears offering assistance with making a choice. I have come across this same pop up on a number of websites but usually it is a timed event. It simply waits a certain amount of time before it appears. On Dells website it is not automatic. It appears to sense your keystrokes.
Although I am not a big Dell fan, I must recognize a well designed website when I see one. They have been quick to adopt new technology and use very slick graphics on their pages.
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Exploring Human Factors in Virtual Worlds
“There is nothing like the real thing.” These are the words to a song sung by Diana Ross in 1969. These words have been uttered by many and despite the passage of time, they still hold true.
Even the most skeptical person must agree that there are certain circumstances where access to the real thing should be delayed and primary focus should be placed on the “fake thing." By a fake thing I mean virtual reality. The situation where this is true is where life over death choices must be made such as: airplane pilots, submarine engineers, nuclear power plant operator, space shuttle pilot, emergency response technician, open heart surgery, etc. The reason I feel virtual reality is a better choice in these types of situations is because no one wants to be the guinea pig while skills are being developed in these areas.
In order to make virtual reality more realistic, you need to explore human factors. To make virtual worlds more realistic will require the injection of sensory receptors. I am not sure whether technology has advanced enough to create such an environment but there is a chance that enough advancement has been made to install a few sensory receptors. But I don’t believe that we will be able to simulate all five senses. Without the simulation of all five senses true realism can not be achieved.
In an effort to create virtual world places, you must be cognizant of health related issues. If the virtual world is presented in way that is not common to the participant, then chances are the participant could suffer physically or mentally from the experiment. Therefore, it is important to use diverse methods of introducing virtual worlds in the workplace. Participants must be given the opportunity to get comfortable with the virtual environment before it is thrust upon them. Although with the advent of the Internet, computers and the gaming industry, introduction of simulated environments would probably more acceptable now than ever before.
Even the most skeptical person must agree that there are certain circumstances where access to the real thing should be delayed and primary focus should be placed on the “fake thing." By a fake thing I mean virtual reality. The situation where this is true is where life over death choices must be made such as: airplane pilots, submarine engineers, nuclear power plant operator, space shuttle pilot, emergency response technician, open heart surgery, etc. The reason I feel virtual reality is a better choice in these types of situations is because no one wants to be the guinea pig while skills are being developed in these areas.
In order to make virtual reality more realistic, you need to explore human factors. To make virtual worlds more realistic will require the injection of sensory receptors. I am not sure whether technology has advanced enough to create such an environment but there is a chance that enough advancement has been made to install a few sensory receptors. But I don’t believe that we will be able to simulate all five senses. Without the simulation of all five senses true realism can not be achieved.
In an effort to create virtual world places, you must be cognizant of health related issues. If the virtual world is presented in way that is not common to the participant, then chances are the participant could suffer physically or mentally from the experiment. Therefore, it is important to use diverse methods of introducing virtual worlds in the workplace. Participants must be given the opportunity to get comfortable with the virtual environment before it is thrust upon them. Although with the advent of the Internet, computers and the gaming industry, introduction of simulated environments would probably more acceptable now than ever before.
Monday, November 3, 2008
Second Earth
In an attempt to implement the visions of writers of science fiction into our current existence, the author suggests that it is not only eventual but inevitable that virtual worlds, real worlds and mirror worlds will collide into a single computer application.
The author states that Google Earth, Second Life, There and tiny audio and video feeds will be used to teleport avatars into mirror worlds with realistic countries and structures. The experience will be so real that the user will feel like they have actually taken a trip to wherever they have teleported to.
Having the ability to live life through an avatar reminds me of the lives experienced by “The One” of the Matrix and Arnold Schwazenegger [sp?] in Total Recall. The idea of living life through “consensual hallucinations” is not very appealing to me.
Why is society generating more and more distractions that require such anti-social behavior? Fostering the desire to hallucinate cannot be good for society.
As a near baby boomer, I enjoy actually experiencing life. Traveling to an exotic place just to taste the food, smell the flowers or feel the sand under my feet is what life’s pleasures are about. The thought of gaining these experiences while in a coma or an "in rem" state could not possibly satisfy my needs.
I read an article in the New York Times about the Great Depression. The positive outcome of that experience was that families were bought closer together because they were forced to communicate. They ate meals together and discussed the events of the day. Before the advent of recreational television, most of today’s families did the same.
If the only way one could learn socialization skills is through virtual reality, then that might explain some of the problems cities are experiencing. Learning socialization skills through avatars could render whole societies devoid of sensitivity to human tragedy. Looking at the news the pass few weekends has demonstrated that numerous people have no regard for human life. One man poisoned his wife because he has “come out of the closet” and could not bear the thought of her being with another man. Another man strangled his wife because he was cheating on her, and then dumped her naked body at the country club. Then there were the absolutely senseless murders of Jennifer Hudson’s family.
The art of communication is being lost. People simply do not sit down and talk anymore. Perhaps the distinction between virtual reality (as expressed in the morbid games of our youth) and reality has truly become blurred.
The author states that Google Earth, Second Life, There and tiny audio and video feeds will be used to teleport avatars into mirror worlds with realistic countries and structures. The experience will be so real that the user will feel like they have actually taken a trip to wherever they have teleported to.
Having the ability to live life through an avatar reminds me of the lives experienced by “The One” of the Matrix and Arnold Schwazenegger [sp?] in Total Recall. The idea of living life through “consensual hallucinations” is not very appealing to me.
Why is society generating more and more distractions that require such anti-social behavior? Fostering the desire to hallucinate cannot be good for society.
As a near baby boomer, I enjoy actually experiencing life. Traveling to an exotic place just to taste the food, smell the flowers or feel the sand under my feet is what life’s pleasures are about. The thought of gaining these experiences while in a coma or an "in rem" state could not possibly satisfy my needs.
I read an article in the New York Times about the Great Depression. The positive outcome of that experience was that families were bought closer together because they were forced to communicate. They ate meals together and discussed the events of the day. Before the advent of recreational television, most of today’s families did the same.
If the only way one could learn socialization skills is through virtual reality, then that might explain some of the problems cities are experiencing. Learning socialization skills through avatars could render whole societies devoid of sensitivity to human tragedy. Looking at the news the pass few weekends has demonstrated that numerous people have no regard for human life. One man poisoned his wife because he has “come out of the closet” and could not bear the thought of her being with another man. Another man strangled his wife because he was cheating on her, and then dumped her naked body at the country club. Then there were the absolutely senseless murders of Jennifer Hudson’s family.
The art of communication is being lost. People simply do not sit down and talk anymore. Perhaps the distinction between virtual reality (as expressed in the morbid games of our youth) and reality has truly become blurred.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Una Laptop Por Nino
The article “Una Laptop Por Nino” relates the experiences of an implementation specialist as he attempts to fulfill the requirements of an effort to empower children (disadvantaged children to be more precise). The premise of the effort is to give failing students the ability to see life beyond their villages and to give them the opportunity to peer into the outside world to select an alternate future. “Giving them eyes” to see the outside world is provided through the use of technology, a low cost – low energy consumption laptops, access to electricity as well as access to the internet.
The recipients of the “One Laptop Per Child” initiative are countries ranked lowest on the World Economic Forum survey. Peru is a country that ranked 130 out of 131 nations in math and science education and 131 on quality of primary schools. The reduced costs of the laptops will save money for the country but the true benefit of the project is to provide current up-to-date information that cannot be achieved by using standard textbooks.
The laptops are programmed with educational software as well as games. The educational software includes a word processor, art and music programs, camera, as well as a complete library of textbooks. Training to use the machine is included for both the teacher and the student. The teachers are required to continually install maintenance, educational, and security updates in an effort to avoid obsolescence.
To goal is to provide current text and programs that can help these students compete in a global economy (should they decide to select a future different from their parents).
Working out the logistics of the project appears to be challenging but efforts are underway to simplify the process.
The recipients of the “One Laptop Per Child” initiative are countries ranked lowest on the World Economic Forum survey. Peru is a country that ranked 130 out of 131 nations in math and science education and 131 on quality of primary schools. The reduced costs of the laptops will save money for the country but the true benefit of the project is to provide current up-to-date information that cannot be achieved by using standard textbooks.
The laptops are programmed with educational software as well as games. The educational software includes a word processor, art and music programs, camera, as well as a complete library of textbooks. Training to use the machine is included for both the teacher and the student. The teachers are required to continually install maintenance, educational, and security updates in an effort to avoid obsolescence.
To goal is to provide current text and programs that can help these students compete in a global economy (should they decide to select a future different from their parents).
Working out the logistics of the project appears to be challenging but efforts are underway to simplify the process.
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Talking in Second Life
I have moved near the structures in Second Life. I hear voices. Someone is talking about a brain tumor and the subsequent surgery.
It's truly depressing but I can't find the person.
I found a sign that tells me how to talk and I hear someone else talking.
I will figure this out soon I hope.
It's truly depressing but I can't find the person.
I found a sign that tells me how to talk and I hear someone else talking.
I will figure this out soon I hope.
Transportation
I am trying to find another way to get around in Second Life. I tried to get into a motor boat but fell in the water instead. Then I tried to get into a car but could not. Next I flew to a spot with horses but could not mount. Now I'm at the trolly station but there is a terrorist shooting at everyone. I ran down the block and am looking for another location to wait for the trolley.
Does anyone know how to board the trolley?
Does anyone know how to board the trolley?
Starting to relax
I was feeling a little lost in the class. I imagine myself writing everything down but it is coming at me so fast that I fail to write things down correctly.
Today, I'm taking the time to discover Second Life. I've finally learned how to walk and fly (and apparently swim, since I've been falling into water, quick sand, and pavement). I met a few people who are all new. They were searching for an experienced Second Lifer, so although they added me to the friend list, they quickly outwalked me and left.
I found a beautiful horse and would like to ride it. Can someone help me mount it?
Today, I'm taking the time to discover Second Life. I've finally learned how to walk and fly (and apparently swim, since I've been falling into water, quick sand, and pavement). I met a few people who are all new. They were searching for an experienced Second Lifer, so although they added me to the friend list, they quickly outwalked me and left.
I found a beautiful horse and would like to ride it. Can someone help me mount it?
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
The horror
Success at last. I have spent the entire morning trying to get into my own account. For some reason, I failed to write my usernames and passwords. The best advice I can give to any reader is to MAKE SURE YOU WRITE DOWN YOUR username and password.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)