MY FINAL REFLECTION

Prior to creating this blog l was very unfamiliar with blogs and forums. Not that they never peaked my interest, l just never gave them a chance. After designing my own blog and populating it with my own content l have come to the realization that blogging goes beyond expressing your ideas. This is another medium for reaching out to the public whether known or unknown.

I realized at first that my personal preference was beginning to over-cloud my judgment when blogging. In so many words, l would use font size and style that l saw as appealing, which didn’t necessary make the text visible. I would choose templates that were hard to use when different text font and color where involved. This later on changed as l began to progress as a blogger and view other professional and even personal blogs.

My growth as a blogger has not only reflected positively in my other work (i.e. essays, term papers, proposals, etc.) but has showed me that there is a subtext to any ordinary text/content. I mostly focused on the design and layout of my blog, but not really concentrating on the content of the blog. My focused then diverted to beautifying my blog, which is one of the most unnecessary features when blogging.

Overall, my most obvious changes and improvements to my blog was my style of writing. With time l understood that l was appealing to the broadest audience, and l needed to express myself clearly. Usually my writing only is seen by a few, but when blogging, anyone anywhere has access to my blog. I started viewing my fellow bloggers, blog and understood that they communicated with their readers on a one-to-one basis.

Therefore, my intent when writing is for my readers to understand my work and personally feel like they are been spoken to. I changed my style of writing by approaching a more general audience, so it speaks to those who aren’t even my direct audience. Coupled with the videos and web links l included in posts, l drew personal experiences when addressing my audience. This is because; l wanted my readers to feel like they were communicating with me on a personal level. Finally, this blogging experience has definitely improved my writing skills, l am able to understand better how to communicate with a wide audience.

defero’s Project Promotion

This post is going to discuss a social media advertising blog l have been working on for a communications firm called, defero. I decided to use a blog as my advertisement strategy because l believe that blogs create the user-friendly one-on-one relationship with customers and employees. Also, this interaction tool somewhat serves as the company’s public face, where customers can get trusted advice from the company directly. Most importantly, this blog will be a tool to facilitate defero’s presence in the 2.0 world and promote advertising.

I have decided to compose this post in a chronological order from when l received the requirements of this project until today.

The Week of November 8, 2009 – November 14, 2009

This week I’m studying the requirements of the project; my intent is to approach this project from a unique perspective. Viewing the parameters offered seem standard, therefore I’m deciding on how l can approach this by showcasing my skills but not overwhelming my client since their new to the 2.0 world. I have decided to choose either a blog or website to use as my project wrapper. This is because a blog is a growing medium in the online community and has numerous advantages in relation to one-on-one communication with the customer. In my opinion, using a blog will have to serve as some sort of external advertising social media tool with the objective of retaining current customers and attracting prospective ones. My other option is a website because I’m looking to use a medium that will easily be accessible to users anywhere and at anytime. However, defero already has a website of its own; therefore creating another website will be an extension of defero’s corporate website. Take for instance, my company AOL Inc; they have so many secondary websites for which they still provide content for Like, http://www.fanhouse.com/, http://www.politicsdaily.com/, http://www.bebo.com/c/site/index, or etc. I’m still deciding if l want to take this route by introducing defero into the online world by actually diverting? I’m still thinking of a particular route to go because creating the actual website for defero is out of the question. Also, diverting into a new factious field will probably not re-introduce defero’s products and services properly but divert them into a different arena.

The Week of November 15, 2009 – November 21, 2009

This week I’m going to decide on a medium to use for this project. I’ve weighed the pros and cons of both and more pros have fallen towards a blog. Blogs have the ability to capture more content than a regular website. I’m asking for opinions and ideas from family, friends and co-workers to finalize my results. I’m trying to get a real-world perspective to see where their interests lies if presented with both sites given the requirements for the project. I’ve finalized my results and today (November 15, 2009) l decided to go with a blog. Yes, because from research and personal experience creating a blog about a company who is looking to use their skills in the online environment is definitely a must. It wasn’t until l started working for AOL, although an already established firm did l know that they did not only own fanhouse, politics daily and the likes but they provided the content. I want to re-introduce defero like stated above as what they are and not something else or something new, so their customers can easily identify them.

The Week of November 22, 2009 – November 28, 2009

This week l have not made that much progress in my project. Although l have selected a parameter to use, l am yet to begin the actual work. I have actually created the site, but suddenly am at lost as to what to include on the site. I have decided to go with deferoonline because l want their customers to easily notice that defero has diverted into the online world. I want the site to summarize the content of my proposal but don’t know exactly how to approach the project. At the moment I’m reading this book l borrowed from my boss called “IT Project Proposals: Writing to Win” by Paul Coombs. This book has actually given me tips especially Chapter 3 and 4, on Choosing the content and Structuring the proposal. I have decided to approach this proposal by peaking the interest of my clients that this blog will serve as an effective advertising tool. Although late, l decided to round of this week my submitting my proposal pitch.

The Week of November 29, 2009 – December 5, 2009

I am working on the content and structure of my proposal, as l was advised to channel energies towards the proposal and not the blog itself – great advice. This proposal really is taking more time than l had anticipated; l am still trying to create a concise implementation plan that will trigger my clients once read. Also, l have created a logo for my consulting company Putech Consultants. I have decided not to create a logo for defero, because as an already established company they may want to retain theirs. I have also stated in my proposal that Putech consultants have an array of logos we can incorporate in their blog. At the moment l am deciding on whether to create a logo for defero or not, but unlike many other consultants we are approaching this project from a unique angle. We want defero to have the flexibility to choose from an array of logos if they so decide, that they can incorporate into their blog.

The Week of December 6, 2009 – December 11, 2009

Currently l am working on the proposal I’m rounding up the content and trying to incorporate the content into the blog itself. Also, I’m looking for relevant videos, articles and text to include to have solid evidence that creating a blog is the best option. I’m finding it very difficult to find videos, podcasts and video logs that support my decision. This is the toughest week because l am trying to finalize all my decisions, and there is no room for errors or mistakes. I’m so thorough in all decisions associated with this project, that I am now reconsidering the most irrelevant things like my proposal template. I am going to try and concentrate on content this week and make sure that it all makes sense and comes together like a story.

Overall, the creation of this project was very interesting and worrisome. Also, l slacked of at the middle of the project which made the end a little tedious but overall was a success. I was able to get my major points across and tried as best to sell the products and services as possible. I made a few mistakes along the way like worrying about irrelevant issues but crossed the line to my best ability at the end of the day.

USING ONLINE TOOLS TO SUPPORT COLLABORATION

Over the course of this blog experience, l have collaborated with other bloggers online via different means. Collaborating online today has never been easier; there are a number of options that alter collaboration in real time. These include but are not limited to sharing articles and papers, images and videos, websites and media to presentations, tasks and more. This blog post is going to consider all types of collaborative means that apply to my experiences.

This post is going to start out by discussing my experience using forum and chat room collaboration. I am a member of many different types of forums and chat rooms. In my opinion this online environment facilitates learning, collaboration and cooperation. Take for instance; school forums (like moodle and webct) which are one of the most popular e-learning technologies that encourage and support collaboration. I have always had a positive experience using chat rooms but most especially forums. A forum is an asynchronous technology; which does not require all participants to be online simultaneously. Therefore, it allows members from a variety of time zones to interact at a time that suits the individual. This is one of the major advantages l appreciate when using forums for collaboration. Another added advantage is that most forums have the option to send updates from the forum directly to your email account. This l call an added advantage because it serves as some sort of medium when others create/update/comment on topics. However, l have come across forums that are simply daunting. In other words, too many posts, feedbacks or comments completely overwhelm one when trying to get information. This only happens when one does not structure the forum accordingly or when there are to many members registered to a single forum. In reference to chat rooms, l have used it occasionally mostly for quick interaction or to send over a file. However, chat rooms l feel have not nearly benefited me as much in comparison to forums or emails. This I believe is because often time chat rooms turn to of-topic when used which eventually becomes a waste of time. Also, chat rooms can become very disorganized at a moment and confusing when one is trying to get a point across. So, moderation in chat rooms is always the best route to take.

MY REFELCTIONS WITH TSV

This post should not be seen as a conclusion to this blog but as a stepping stone to TSV (Technology Seen Visual) so far. This is going to be a reflective post that discusses my redesign efforts on TSV up until today. I prefer dark colors in anything l do whether it’s something that’s suppose to have a light-weighted visual expression or not, I’d rather go with black any day than red or pink. However, it seems a little metaphoric that l also feel it necessary to never be too dull. In other words, l like using dark and conspicuous colors together. I feel the mixture is just makes it RIGHT! It brings out both sides of the picture, a splash of seriousness and playfulness. However, in this blog from the beginning l decided to go with an unusual tone. Take a look below at my first background design used for this blog. Adjectives to describe this background that come to mind are; plain, ordinary but somewhat technological.

From the start l felt it best to approach this blog from a different angle, an angle that l have never known before. This is because l knew trying to be comfortable with other colors not to bright or to dark will bring an entirely fresh perspective to TSV. Most importantly, this blog represents technology of all kinds seen visually, therefore l needed to present somewhat of an eye catching visual which took me a while to adopt. After a while l decided to move to my comfort zone a more dark and earth-toned look. The image below shows how l was shying back to my norm.

I realized a couple of weeks later that l was diverting from my intent of the blog. My blog needed to represent the goal of TSV, so l over compensated by using an awfully conspicuous background.

It didn’t take me long to remove that and settle for what l have today. The journey of selecting a background was definitely one if taken today will be very different. Over the course of deciding what background or image l should use, time flew by without realizing content matters much more. Also, changing these backgrounds affected the font color and style, because depending on the background used l had to change the color used. Images on TSV where not a problem visually however the way the background style changed affected my layout. Take for instance the first blog background used, all images where stretched because the background was much wider than the ones l am use to. I added other objects to strengthen my blog like the about me category so visitors can have an idea who l am. Of course l wanted to see who my loyal followers are so l included that gadget as well. I added twitter and facebook pins to stay connected always and an optional newsreel to increase my blogs substance. My logo is simple and straightforward because l believe the content of the blog already says so much and it’s the readers idea to capture the information given. The reason l decided to stay with this blog background was because it was calm, technology inclined visually, but most importantly the layout visually accepted all images and colors. I’m looking forward to expanding my blog by adding more ideas, hopefully in the nearest future create a website to promote my content.

EYE TRACKING AND USABILITY

This is an interesting article on the relationship between eye tracking and usability. I was immediately drawn to the title, “Eye Tracking: How It Works and How It Relates to Usability”. Of course the initial question that came to mind was - why would anyone want to track the movement of the eye in relation to usability? I mean of course there are exceptions when it comes to medical reasons, but to track the movement of the eyes in relation to web and software usability seemed a little bit unorthodox. At least for me! This post is going to present some sort of synopsis to the article. Within my abstract content, I’ll share personal opinions and lessons I’ve learned from the article.

To begin this post, I’ll familiarize you with terms that are going to be used repeatedly in this post. Eye tracking is the process of measuring the point of gaze (where we are looking) or the motion of the eye relative to the head. Usability on the other hand, is the ease of effectiveness/efficiency at which people can use a product, website or anything to achieve tasks. Take this test, this l feel will help provide a foundation to better understand the authors reasons to construct this post. Ok, the reason for the test above is to demonstrate why one would want to track and analyze the movement of the eye in relation to usability. What were the first things you noticed and why?

This article goes into detail in discussing the various types of eye tracking devices, hardware and software. Although the devices and methods used in collecting eye movement data defers a great deal, the purpose remains the same – calibration and tracking. According to the article, “Both systems measure the corneal reflection of an infrared light emitting diode (LED), which eliminates and generates a reflection of the surface of the eye.”

The Hardware system, which is mounted on the person’s head,

like the one seen on the side is known as a head-mounted system. This head-mounted system uses multiple data points to record eye movement. This eye tracking device allows movement of the head, therefore to differentiate eye and head movement the system measures the pupil glint from multiple angles for accurate results.

Another hardware system is the remote system, which measures the orientation of the eye relative to a fixed unit. In contrast to the head mounted system a persons head must remain motionless during task performance, because remote units do not measure the pupil glint from multiple angles.

Digressing to software systems, eye tracking is done in two ways. Data can be stored in video format; which uses a small x to represent eye movement that is useful for observing such movement in relation to external factors such as user verbalizations. On the other hand, data is stored as a series of x/y coordinates related to specific grid points on the computer screen. An example of this software includes the Studio Analysis Software. Take a look at how this software is used. Also, this is another interesting site l found called “Eye tracking Research” that compliments this study.

Interesting right? Something to ponder …Now for a question that hasn’t been answered – In reference to the hardware system specifically for the head mounting system are results actually accurate. This is because, by the look of that head mounting system the equipment seems pretty uncomfortable, like an object that is impeding parts of your face. Therefore, in my opinion by having that object placed on my head l wonder, will l view a website the same way I’ll view the same website without the object on my head? Just the thought of the object on my head might influence the way I normally will be viewing the website. I speak for myself when l say l get distracted easily, so coupled with that and an object sitting on my head, makes me skeptical on if the results will be the same? Listed below is an article called “Trials and Tribulations of using eye-tracking system” that l feel is a must read by Susan K Schnipke and Marc W. Todd.

Coupled with research and this article it shows that information generally obtained from using the eye tracking system varies. The main information obtained goes without saying that results show that users/visitors spend a significant amount of time at the upper left of the page before focusing downwards. Also, advertisements perform better in the upper left hand corner of the page. Font types that are smaller in size encourages focused viewing, larger fonts promotes lighter scanning. Dominant titles draw the eye’s attention – especially if positioned on the upper left corner of the page. Most users only look at a sub headline if it engages them. Navigation placed at the top of the page usually performs better. The eyes generally scan the page looking for something to grab their attention. Of course, shorter paragraphs are usually read in comparison to longer ones. Also, clear, clean faces in images attract more attention.

This process l feel is an intelligent method to use for web designing and user interface design. This is because like the first external link used in this post, it gives web designers, editors, writers, programmers and the likes the ability to know where, when and why users are directed to those places. Knowing this, can easily make them understand where to place tools, tabs or navigation aids they want their visitors to immediately notice. Finally, this article has not only expanded my reasoning, but has served as some sort of pointer for future web designs, blog designs, print designs, searching/scanning and reading.

Discretion advised some content is taken directly from the article: Eye Tracking: “Eye Tracking: How It Works and How It Relates to Usability” Applied Research. Pp 456-463.

DESIGNING LEARNING WITH STYLE

Last month, l was excited about creating and designing learning with style, an online training company on web support services. I finally launched the website November 1, 2009 this website is targeted to the general public so please visit us. I focused the content of the website on videos, articles, images, tutorials, links and resources about the topics covered. However, l did not spend a lot of time on the content of the website rather l focused on the appearance and usability of the site, which is what this post is going to discuss. I decided to go with a calm but somewhat conspicuous oriented look and seriousness to the site. I also made sure the site had a user-friendly interface for users to easily navigate through the site. To help with this l made sure the content on every page excluding the “About Us” page was short and simple.


In comparison to the “About Us” page that included the most text as mentioned earlier, other page contents were straight to the point. Of which l believe the “Let Us Know You” page had the least text among all pages.

Just like the background of the site other features developed as l continued to work on this site. I made sure the color of the background was very neutral, in the sense that l wanted every text, image or video displayed to be highly visible. Also, because the site background color is earth toned l decided to go with a red and black color oriented look to compliment the warm site background to look lively together.



I wanted my audience to view this site, like l had in mind – simple. In other words, to show and teach users how simple online training web support services ar e. l felt that if they could easily navigate through my site, they would be to some extent rest-assured that maybe this online training would also be simple. My aim is for them to have a relaxed feeling towards the training program and not be overwhelmed by the content rather focus on what the site has to offer. That is the reason why l made sure the homepage presented somethin g simple. Also, the image “Your own teacher, Your own time, Your own place” was exactly what l wanted users to view at first sight. Following that is an extremely short description on services we offer and a five stage model we apply on the key to teaching and learning online. A simple not an overwhelming introduction; with multiple content and images that distract the user from our primary focus.

Furthermore, I ensured the links text to other pages where black and bolded so users can easily navigate to whatever page they are looking for. In addition to this, l included a red texted “Return to homepage” link clearly marked underneath every content page for easy reference and access to the index page.

SYMBOLS, ICONS AND ILLUSTRATIONS

What symbols, icons or illustrations come to mind at an instance, and how are they used most times to replace words? Symbols that instantly come to my mind include but are not limited to: $ (US Dollar), % (Percentage), the cross (Christianity), the coat of arms (a group of people), symbols/signs on uniforms and the likes. These are characters that most times capture the concept or quantity of a conventional representation. An icon on the other hand, is a pictorial representation of a person, thing or idea that is widely understood. Examples include; the reload button on your browser, music player icons (like play, rewind, fast-forward and stop), twitter icon and the likes. Illustrations can be drawings, paintings, photography or any visual representation to help make something clear or attractive. Take for instance the Mona Lisa, The statue of David or other prominent photos. This post is going to discuss one popular symbol, icon and illustration, then examine how these aspects of imagery are used to replace words.

SYMBOLS

The Ampersand (&) symbol comes to mind as one that effectively replaces a word with an image. This commonly used symbol called the “and” sign is derived from the Latin word “et”. The shape of this symbol has evolved with time and also varies from font to font. If you take a close look at the symbol with a little bit of imagination, you can make out the letters e and t.

This symbol is used effectively and is well known to replace “and” especially in company business names, like firms and partnerships for law firms, architecture firms and/or stockbroker firms. This is because, when the ampersand forms part of a registered name, it is no longer replaced by the “and” word. Also, this symbol is used in other instances like; to replace the word “and” when space is limited (Like in a table, graph or title with very limited space). Other situations where this sign can be used, are in academic references (Authors: Altman, I., & Taylor, D,). However, the ampersand symbol is not commonly used in a business document, essay or term paper.

ICONS

Apple Inc. among other leading companies has one of the most eminent and trendy icons of all times. This widely accepted pictorial symbol represents the idea, concept or physical orientation of the company’s electronic and software products. The icon instantly communicates a message to customers and potential buyers which by itself markets their products. Like the iMac/Mac, iPhone and iTouch products, they use their own icons on the Apple website to better describe, familiarize and navigate through their products. Take for instance all the applications on the iPhone, they each have various icons on the Apple website that take you to an in-depth graphical explanation on what the application is about.

I believe anyone looking at the Apple icon; will automatically know what it stands for. This icon has provided the company by not necessarily communicating its message in words but by extensively enabling anyone to recognize the company’s icon. In addition to this, the Apple icon is distinguishable from any other company’s icon. Need to mention that the unique creation of their icon follows the pattern of their inimitable products.

ILLUSTRATION
The statue of liberty, originally named “Liberty Enlightening the World” is one unique visual representation I feel falls under this category. This sculpture commemorates the centennial of the American Declaration of Independence. This gift of friendship was given to the United States from the people of France as a universal visual representation of freedom and democracy. In addition to this, the statue is used to welcome people to the United States. It is among the highly anticipated tourist attraction sites foreigners hope to see upon arrival.

I distinctively remember when I resumed at New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) anticipating on touring the statue of liberty. In the early twentieth century immigrants saw this majestic figure as an imitation to a new life. Furthermore, in her uplifted arm they read a welcome message that says “This vast republic wants me!” Finally, the statue of liberty represents freedom and also the gathering of immigrants into one inclusive nation.

SOCIAL BOOKMARKING

Folksonomy is the collaborative tagging or cataloging of different websites. These sites can be articles, photos, products and/or bookmarks. It became popular in 2004 and is a characteristic of web 2.0. Collective tagging, tagging, social tagging, social indexing, and collaborative tagging all have the same meaning as folksonomy. Folksonomy can be done online using websites like “delicious” or offline using “library records”. The word folksonomy is derived from folk meaning done by people and taxonomy meaning classification of items or groups.

Here's a badge to my bookmark on delicious -

Although I’m still exploring these kinds of social tagging websites I’ve come across the following:
ADVANTAGES:
1. An easy way to classify web content
2. A cheap method to classify web content
3. Has the capability to adapt to the users style
4. Provides additional keywords to help search engines
5. Provides additional navigation on your site; for instance index referencing – helps users find related post content

DISADVANTAGES:
1. Some tags may exit with a different meaning (polisemy)
2. Some tags may exit with similar meanings (synonyms)
3. Language barrier
4. Anti-spam measure is high
5. Acronyms and Abbreviations

Depending on how one uses social bookmarking sites, I can see it as a democratic taxonomy that allows the community to peer review the content of the web. However, this depends just like a democratic system on how effective the community participates. For example, the more people that use social bookmarking sites (by tagging information) the more powerful the tool becomes.

On the other hand, I can also see it as a disorganized collection of personal preferences, simply because of a no hierarchical system. Hierarchy is good to avoid the creation of overlapping content, for instance multiple tags of “usability” allows for much of the subtlety but few of the restrictions of hierarchy.

Bookmarks I selected be it websites, blogs and/or articles are in relation to topics centered on Elements of Visual Design. These bookmarks include web design, web 2.0, usability, typography, proposals, and technical writing. As stated in my first blog post the essence of this blog is to educate myself on technical communication. For instance, some of the sites I bookmarked narrates and teaches users on web designs. Take for instance this site everybodygoto , it helps give pointers on elements you should take into consideration when designing a website. I also, tagged typography sites, because the need to communicate your message is more important than the actual message itself. In essence, the need to use a correct type is another important feature whether creating a website, writing a blog or constructing a proposal. This brings me to my next point, proposal writing which is also included as part of my bookmarks. I included a very helpful guide to assist anyone in writing a proposal. Finally, another area I focused on was on technical writing which is a most have skills, needed in technical communication. These technical writing blog and sites explains how reader’s eyes navigate through your page. It therefore explains helpful tips to present written information.

Social bookmarking is beneficial to students and professionals in more ways than one. Students can use social bookmarking as tool to find tags related to their subject, research or course topics quickly. This not only enables the collaboration of like-minds but is a powerful source that demonstrates the power of sharing. In addition to this, students from around the world can share their bookmark collections with other students and professors. This in turn can help students collaborate on research, projects and/or assignments. Also, this can be dynamic tool by enabling students to become active learners. Professionally, social bookmarking sites in my opinion scream out efficiency. This networking site allows the sharing and meeting of professional contacts by commercially developing tags for ease.

Reference:

Collaborative Tagging - Folksonomy

View more presentations from Mercy Livingstone.

Bookmarking: The New Folksonomy

Wiki: Social Bookmarking