Category: CommunicationsLab

gliffy!
yeeality@gmail.com / commlab

Observation and Analysis

Choosing one interface to write about became more difficult the more I considered some of the possibilities. I contemplated writing about several objects that I use on a daily basis, including the three doors and windows of my bedroom, my mailbox, my oven/stove, my microwave at home versus the beastly heating machine at work, the touchpad on my laptop, wretched fax machines, etc., but ultimately, I decided it would be most enjoyable to discuss an interface I genuinely admire.

My Samsung t509 has been my favorite of the four phones I’ve owned. I’ve had two candy-bar Nokia’s and one other Samsung flip. While the others had obvious issues (monotone screens, loose rubber pieces that fell off as the glue heated, and inaudible sound), this baby to your right has yet to seriously disappoint. Mainly, it’s sleek and sexy, the buttons are mapped well, the form is smart and convenient, the menus are intuitive, and it works well! So, specifically, let me address the requested areas in question: mapping, function and feedback, and affordance.

Mapping

Like most other cellular phones, the Samsung t509 has buttons with numbers and text, a “go” key, a “stop” key, a few navigation keys, volume controls, and a handy camera button. These controls are nicely spaced and positioned in a way that makes sense for the average cell user and his or her hand. The average user would expect the numbers, text, and special characters to appear below the navigation, because this is a convention that has worked. The camera button on the side is a nice touch that gives quick access to what a user wants. The “hotkeys” allowing a user to reach common features are also quite helpful and wisely positioned. It seems that pretty much any user with cell phone experience could pick this guy up and use it without a manual.

Function and Feedback

This is a phone. It is not a device meant to do much more than allow users mobility when talking. Though it does offer a video camera, camera, and a few other “bells,” the “whistles” would need to be found in another device. Sound and reception (with Tmobile) are a bit beyond satisfactory.

The ring and vibrate functions are strong audible and sensory indicators of incoming calls, voicemails, or text messages. The camera and picture message features also allow the user to assign images to individuals in the phone book, which would then give users a visual indicator of who is calling. The buttons light up and can make a noise each time they’re pressed. The fonts, colors, and sizes of the menus can be customized… So, the designers covered three senses, and I doubt any designer in the near future will begin incorporating taste or odor to a cellular phone model’s interface.

Affordance

What individual wouldn’t want to touch and toy with this gadget? It looks good, and by definition, buttons exist to be pressed. I guess sometimes people are afraid to use new technology, but this phone looks like fun. It has personality and therefore invites someone to pick it up. It simultaneously appears futuristic and simple, so it attracts attention and experimentation, but wouldn’t scare away a member of an older generation.

Although I could go on advertising Tmobile’s Samsung t509, it is not a perfect item, fine. It lacks a keyboard layout for speedier texting and perhaps a generally louder speaker (although the speaker phone feature compensates). In terms of interface though, I don’t have any real complaints. Maybe, the buttons could be softer for the sake of my fingers’ comfort, and the screen could always be bigger, but considering the assumed purpose of the designers and the product that resulted, I will continue to promote my phone until I purchase a better one

photoshop manipulation – bush/curb jpg
3 perspective story w/ improved interface

Crimson Room

Initially, the concept of being locked in but not being in any immediate danger made me appreciate this game. It seemed pretty simple, and it was gratifying to find keys for the drawers, electric cord, etc. However, there was a point when I couldn’t find anything new, and eventually Googled the solution, which didn’t actually work. The number combination wasn’t correct, so I couldn’t get into the safe. Anyway, I think it is a good puzzle for patience building. Since I’ve seen the solution though (which is my own fault), I don’t have much desire to click through it again.

The intensification isn’t so high, but the setting (and name) in general does build intrigue. The game is compressed I think – not much extra going on. The closure wasn’t there for me, but I’m sure it was for other gamers. It didn’t use too many senses, but it’s a simple online application, so my expectations weren’t too high.

Façade

The download was problematic for me, but I was pretty excited to play after reading the article about it and the several others about game play in general. I have only had a chance to play through once, but I don’t think I was much help to the characters. I felt like I didn’t have enough time to speak/respond thoughtfully in order to get a satisfying outcome. The outcome was probably realistic though, because my awkward speech and actions caused the Grace and Trip to say “uhh…” on more than one occasion, and eventually, they didn’t respond to me at all. I look forward to playing this game again to witness various outcomes.

Intensification, magnitude, and meaningfulness were all strong. Façade didn’t use many senses, but I think this component of game design would be very difficult to incorporate. The idea of having a real effect on a realistic situation does attract me to this title, but I need to play more to decide if the unity of action or closure are developed enough in my opinion.

55 words – Goof on the Move

Couch. 8:07 pm. JOLTING ring tone.
“Damn… I dunno. I must have passed out.”
“I mean, it’s been a rough week I guess…sorry.”
“Wait, she said she wanted to what me!? Really?”
“All right! I’m dressed and moving as fast as I can.”
Three pat system: “Keys, check. Wallet, check. Where’s my freakin’ cell…”

Self reflection

Five years ago, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do with myself, but I was concentrating on classes (and my social life) and thinking I probably wanted to work in education in some capacity. I mostly studied topics that I felt were important for me to know (American Studies – history, contemporary issues, essentially race/class/gender), but I didn’t necessarily get to focus on areas that I would consider exciting or satisfying. By the time I finished undergrad, I needed a break from working with kids, and I started working an administrative job at NYU. Now, I’m finishing my second year in the Summer and Study Abroad Office of Arts and Science, and I’m about to start as Assistant Director for a joint Global EMBA program called TRIUM at Stern. I’m hoping the exposure, travel, and new skills I pick up there will give me a more well-rounded background when combined with the creative and technical skills I get from ITP.

I came to ITP because it seems to be the perfect place to combine my creative and techie interests. It’s a unique learning and experimenting environment that seems very flexible and fun, and I think the skills, degree, and contacts I make here will all help me out a lot in finding interesting work in the future. I’ve always been artistic and expressive, and I’ve also been drawn to using computers and other forms of technology. Currently, I’m particularly drawn to social software and accumulating digital audio files. Other than that, I mainly manipulate photos and edit html. I’m looking forward to expanding my realm of involvement/understanding and gaining any new skills I can.

Five years from now, I expect to be doing a job I really enjoy that treats me generously. I’m not sure what it will be, but I hope it will utilize my creative side, analytical and organization abilities, and have some positive impact on our society and environment.

Knowledge from 1-10:
What is going on in the field 4
My activity with technology 6

Knowledge from 1-4:
Dreamweaver 1
Photoshop 3-4
Final Cut 1
Flash 1
DVD Studio Pro 1
Director 1
Peak/Sound Forge 1
Garage Band/ACID 1
Performer 1