I've been working day and night. Finishing all the projects, assignments, and working my full time job is stressful. Although, I know at the end of the program it will all be worth it. I liked how our classes have such lively discussions about many topics. I respect every one's input and experiences. It is nice to see so many different perspectives from a wide variety of people. Everyone giving constructive feedback that is welcome and helps us all to delve deeper into our own projects, ideas, and thinking processes.
The projects presented this week were well done, and insightful. It was nice to see that class members really developed projects that spoke to them and their audiences. It seems everyone in class is developing something to help others. Clearly, we as a "Community of Practice" are more concerned about the world around us, than in personal gain. It is refreshing to learn, work, and collaborate with everyone in class. :-)
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Week 12 - More on Interface Design
This week was presentations on interface design. I think the key concern is accessibility where a user must feel the following.
1. Form - Is it appealing when viewing?
2.Comfort - It feels nice for me to use.
2. Insight into functionality - How does it work?
3. Access - What I can do.
4. Efficiency - Time Saver
Although these are not always the intention, it is taken into consideration when designing interface. This is my own personal belief, and what I got out of tonight's class. We often see things that may work for use, but can be completely foreign to other individuals. So another important aspect is "customization." Is the design somewhat customizable, not customizable, or fully customizable. The various levels of personalization really speak to a user or may turn them off completely. Lets discuss! :-)
1. Form - Is it appealing when viewing?
2.Comfort - It feels nice for me to use.
2. Insight into functionality - How does it work?
3. Access - What I can do.
4. Efficiency - Time Saver
Although these are not always the intention, it is taken into consideration when designing interface. This is my own personal belief, and what I got out of tonight's class. We often see things that may work for use, but can be completely foreign to other individuals. So another important aspect is "customization." Is the design somewhat customizable, not customizable, or fully customizable. The various levels of personalization really speak to a user or may turn them off completely. Lets discuss! :-)
Week 11 - Interface Design
This week was presentations. Here is the presentation that Alex, Tracy and I produced for
"Where is ITEC?"
Tracy and Alex are great to work with in my group. Each individual brings a unique set of skills and perspective. I think the project turned out so much better as a group than as individual because of the constant feedback. They were both constructive, pleasant, and highly skilled. In my profession some of my coworkers can be very difficult. Even though people may be highly trained and knowledgeable, they may not be approachable or open to collaboration. I'm glad to say Tracy and Alex are exceptional team members and very open to ideas. Their collaboration is highly valued and greatly appreciated.
"Where is ITEC?"
Tracy and Alex are great to work with in my group. Each individual brings a unique set of skills and perspective. I think the project turned out so much better as a group than as individual because of the constant feedback. They were both constructive, pleasant, and highly skilled. In my profession some of my coworkers can be very difficult. Even though people may be highly trained and knowledgeable, they may not be approachable or open to collaboration. I'm glad to say Tracy and Alex are exceptional team members and very open to ideas. Their collaboration is highly valued and greatly appreciated.
Week 10 - Project Management and Design
I'm not familiar with formal project management, since I've never worked on a large project with a strict structure. School teacher here, and we usually do collaboration sessions, where we have one facilitator and everyone has sign off rights when development curriculum and designing materials.
So I was very interested in hearing more from our guest speaker. Project management becomes ever more difficult when managing more people, personalities, and budgets. It was very clear that not everyone is able to project manage effectively. Juggling so many personalities within a group with varying ability is at some point going to run into conflict. there were many good tips and discussions concerning the approach to projects and their need for team members to feel valid, give insight, and providing support with feedback. I think those are essential components in an effective project manager. I would have liked to hear more about budgeting, since I'm not the greatest at budgeting for projects of any sort.
So I was very interested in hearing more from our guest speaker. Project management becomes ever more difficult when managing more people, personalities, and budgets. It was very clear that not everyone is able to project manage effectively. Juggling so many personalities within a group with varying ability is at some point going to run into conflict. there were many good tips and discussions concerning the approach to projects and their need for team members to feel valid, give insight, and providing support with feedback. I think those are essential components in an effective project manager. I would have liked to hear more about budgeting, since I'm not the greatest at budgeting for projects of any sort.
Week 9 - Web 2.0 Exhibition
If there wasn't enough information out there already. Now we have all these incredible new apps. I'm a bite nervous and excited all at the same time. I'm just learning about these new apps on web 2.0 and here comes a new mountain of apps ready to be deployed. I feel that I haven't mastered the current apps and new ones have already been development. It is allot for an individual to take in all at once, but the feeling is more about excitement than anxiety.
I like the fact that many companies have decided to create apps that are not on a local machine. The apps are mostly all accessible on-line. just previewing some of the apps, it is clear that usability and accessibility in design , form, and function have been taken into consideration of some of the new web 2.0 apps.
My concern lies in the learning curve and who the audience is catered to. These conferences/expo seem to tailored to innovators, and risk takers. The language is completely different, since they speak in technical terms and often need to ask for clarification. Makes for a steep learning curve if ever you were to fully learn any one of the new apps. Still, people are excited, patient, and there is a willingness to cooperate, collaborate, and make more accessible to the masses. Great!
I like the fact that many companies have decided to create apps that are not on a local machine. The apps are mostly all accessible on-line. just previewing some of the apps, it is clear that usability and accessibility in design , form, and function have been taken into consideration of some of the new web 2.0 apps.
My concern lies in the learning curve and who the audience is catered to. These conferences/expo seem to tailored to innovators, and risk takers. The language is completely different, since they speak in technical terms and often need to ask for clarification. Makes for a steep learning curve if ever you were to fully learn any one of the new apps. Still, people are excited, patient, and there is a willingness to cooperate, collaborate, and make more accessible to the masses. Great!
Week 8 - Civic Potential in Video Games
Video games are a great platform. I use to play video games as a kid in the 80's and loved my Nintendo and Sega. Thinking about those games, many games in back in the 80's had a message. Some were about violence and just plain good interface design. Some games really had good messages like environmental issues, civics of taking care of places and people, and some even just about the betterment of mankind.
Simulators are a great example of this type of civic engagement. We have today video games as virtual pets, building cities (SimCity), and virtual dating. I can see the benefits in especially young minds like teens. Many trying to find and mold their identities. Video games can be a shaping tool that teaches responsibility, reasoning, cooperation, and consequence. This could all be used for the betterment of a wider community.
On the other hand, some video games can really deter young minds see only adversarial viewpoints. I find religiously overtones video games to see people in a community as enemies. Example would be "convert to my religion or pay the consequence" type scenarios really do not promote tolerance, acceptance, or civic potential.
Still, we must take the good with the bad in all aspects of life. It is just my hope that game developers will use the platform that creates atmospheres of inclusion and act responsibly. All people need to accepted and valued for their backgrounds and experiences. My belief anyways :-)
Simulators are a great example of this type of civic engagement. We have today video games as virtual pets, building cities (SimCity), and virtual dating. I can see the benefits in especially young minds like teens. Many trying to find and mold their identities. Video games can be a shaping tool that teaches responsibility, reasoning, cooperation, and consequence. This could all be used for the betterment of a wider community.
On the other hand, some video games can really deter young minds see only adversarial viewpoints. I find religiously overtones video games to see people in a community as enemies. Example would be "convert to my religion or pay the consequence" type scenarios really do not promote tolerance, acceptance, or civic potential.
Still, we must take the good with the bad in all aspects of life. It is just my hope that game developers will use the platform that creates atmospheres of inclusion and act responsibly. All people need to accepted and valued for their backgrounds and experiences. My belief anyways :-)
Week 7 - Digital Learners & Google
Google in my mind is still up in there air. I'm not sure if Goggle is the new "Evil Empire" or not. They offer all these free service and web 2.0 apps, but how long will they remain free? Once Google apps are used everywhere, and people become so dependant on their services. Will Google at that point start charging? When they know that people have no other options? I'm pondering.... although, I can't stop loving the Google docs presentation upload, and slide sharing!
Interesting CNN article
http://money.cnn.com/2007/04/11/magazines/business2/google_defense.biz2/index.htm
The new age of digital learners has really opened my eyes to a new way and thinking, learning, and collaborating. It is interesting to see how people like myself in traditional classroom are venturing out to discover the "New web = web 2.o". there are so many new technologies. So many people were excited as was I to see this new products.
1. Show me what it is. (Importance & Engage)
2. Show me how it works. (Model)
3. Let me try it. (Practice)
4. Evaluate (Feedback)
It was nice to see the new technologies really embrassing the Instructional Design Process!
Interesting CNN article
http://money.cnn.com/2007/04/11/magazines/business2/google_defense.biz2/index.htm
The new age of digital learners has really opened my eyes to a new way and thinking, learning, and collaborating. It is interesting to see how people like myself in traditional classroom are venturing out to discover the "New web = web 2.o". there are so many new technologies. So many people were excited as was I to see this new products.
1. Show me what it is. (Importance & Engage)
2. Show me how it works. (Model)
3. Let me try it. (Practice)
4. Evaluate (Feedback)
It was nice to see the new technologies really embrassing the Instructional Design Process!
Thursday, April 23, 2009
ITEC 830 - Interface Design Critique
Critique for Website "www.seq.org"
On Information Design
Who are the Potential Users?
- The possible users would be parents, teachers looking for employment, and students who are looking for resources.
- The amount of information just on the home screen is too large. The chunks are far to large for the home screen. Information is too varied within the written text. The page layout is poor, and smaller chunks need o be worked on this page. Labeling
- The left had tool bar is easy to see, but the labels are difficult to read. The text is too small, and fonts that are much more bold should be used to address the issue concerning "content" for paragraphs. The website is consistent in the font size, but some variation of fonts may give better organization and feel. The color choice could also use a slight splash of color. The overall green feel needs just addition of 1-2 colors to show important sections on the page.
Details
- Far too many details are given on this single page. The navigation becomes difficult with small font, and the search bar is almost hidden in the top right hand corner. New layout and color choices would greatly help users become more familiar with this site.
- The site is tailored for lower end users. The page layout is simple blocks, and a navigation tool bar. The tool bar should float as the page scrolls down. Users must constantly scroll upwards to return to pages and becomes cumbersome.
- The interaction with the user is very limited. Only search is possible, while comments and feedback are limited.
- The look is simple and clean, but could use some updating. The color has too much green, while layout needs a redesign. The readability needs fonts that are easier to read and search.
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