Interface 123

Mobile Devices: older adults left out?

2010-09-08T17:39:00.000-07:00

The big push right now in development is with mobile devices. The small screen devices may be powerful but they are limited in terms of accessibility features. While there has been research conducted to analyze the how older adults interact with cell phones, smart phones, and other devices, the results have been mixed. Many developers are simply developing for a younger audience or those that can read small screen content and nimbly interact with small buttons. For older adults with physical or visual impairments, using a smartphone can be a difficult process to say the least. Unfortunately, with so much research going into mobile interfaces and applications, other areas of usability research may not be conducted. The advent of new tablet mobile devices such as the iPad and the Dell Streak might open a door to allow older adults to also participate in this new form of computer interaction. Some small studies have already shown a better means of interaction with the iPad versus mobile phones or even small noteboks. However, older adults still may have continuing difficulty in having their needs met by developers of mobile application, especially for mobile smart phone devices.

Image: The iPad may have more accessiblity features than smartphone devices.

GUI Design Studio

2010-09-08T17:32:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I was able to try out the program GUI Design Studio. The program is essentially a mockup design program with some interesting features. It has the basic design elements found plus more elaborate window GUI features that are sometimes left out in other programs. It can be used to build all types of interfaces but shines with application or database frontend designs. The program will definitely bring fear to any of the established design apps like Photoshop or Dreamweaver. It is has a basic, simple interface which is easy to learn and some of its graphic icons are a little out of date. Still its worth a trial run.

Below is a sample design I made with the program.

A Flood of Android OS based Tablets

2010-09-01T05:20:00.000-07:00

PC World and other sites are providing details about many upcoming iPad like tablets based on the Android OS. Samsung is expected release a 7inch tablet very soon based on the Android OS and there is another tablet that is being promoted by Borders.com. Dell also recently released a 5" tablet/smart-phone back in July. Unlike the iPad, these Android OS tablets will be able to use Flash, provide multitasking, and even offer an open ended application market. There are already applications for the Android OS available online for free. It should be interesting how the iPad fares with these competitors.

A Good Online Writing Resource

2010-08-30T16:57:00.000-07:00

For a general, easy to read introduction to writing online content, check out "The Yahoo! Style Guide". Not only does the book provide a good synthesis of writing online bylines, articles, and even advertising, it also provides good tips on accessibility and usability aspects of web development. Its fairly inexpensive at $15 on Amazon.com as well.

The Yahoo! Style Guide: The Ultimate Sourcebook for Writing, Editing, and Creating Content for the Digital World

Curt Email Communication and Etiquette

2010-08-28T18:18:00.000-07:00

Everybody sends email and it is perhaps the most basic function that we perform on a daily basis. Some people create great emails that express a positive view of the person and the message. They use descriptive phrases, nice salutations, and generally give a warm message to the reader. Unfortunately these people can sometimes be few and far between regular email writers. Many people simply write very curt, inexpressive messages that can give off a either a cold or negative image of the send. While none of us are perfect email writers, we may forget that email is a basic way of communicating in today's world.

Imagine going to an office and never being friend, never smiling, and only speaking in curt sentences. Many people would probably not be too happy with the person. The same situation can apply to email messages. Curt emails that are abrupt can also leave a negative sensation for the reader. While friends may leave such messages to other friends, writing curt emails can affect one's message, relationships, and even work projects.

Businesses that send out curt emails may turn off potential customers. Workers that send curt emails may find themselves with frosty coworkers. An email message should convey elements that help fill in for missing facial or other types of cues. It doesn't hurt to use at least a nice introduction, warm words that break the ice, or even say thank you. While this advice may sound overly simple or just ridiculous to some, it could help people project a more positive perception of themselves to others. Seriously.

For anyone wanting to learn more about email communication, here are several book suggestions:

E-Mail: A Write It Well Guide

SEND: Why People Email So Badly and How to Do It Better (Vintage)

The Executive Guide to E-mail Correspondence: Including Model Letters for Every Situation

The High Popularity of iPad

2010-08-25T06:20:00.000-07:00

Many people either love or hate the iPad for various reasons. Some love its large screen and touch input method. Others hate the lack of keyboard and tactile input buttons. However, one thing that most will agree upon is the revolutionary breakthrough that computers have needed for some time. Touchscreens are not new but multi-touch screens are a recently breakthrough, at least in the consumer market. The iPad also brings forth a more usable form factor for some applications such as reading or watching videos. On the other hand its lack of keyboard or mouse means that users have to adjust to a new way of interacting with a computer system. The iPad's operating system works fairly well and the touch screen is very responsive. Not only is it intuitive to use but it also provides a easy to read display of on screen content.

One major problem with operating systems and software interfaces is the lack of great innovation. This is not to say there hasn't been major advances and updates to modern operating systems. The iPad brings forth a fairly radical change in the traditional operating system interface. While some may say its OS is similiar to the iPhone and other touch screen smartphones, the iPad also brings greater screen real estate for improved readability for all users. Traditional operating systems have grown from the research conducted by Zerox in the 1970s. While the GUI has evolved and has been refined numerous times, there hasn't really been any staggering breakthroughs. While the GUI was a definite improvement over command line systems, it still had problems in terms of accessibility for certain segments of user bases.

Traditional GUIs generally require a combination of mouse and keyboard inputs to work properly. Users with limited motor control skills or suffer from physical limitations such as arthritis may be inhibited from fully interacting with a system with a GUI OS. Other alternative interfaces have been researched but few have reached the commercial market. The iPad's touchscreen navigation represents one such change.

Is the Netbook market being knocked down by the iPad?

2010-08-24T20:54:00.000-07:00

Reports from the industry are coming forth that the iPad is derailing sales for Netbooks. Asus and Acer have both had diminished sales of their Netbook models and both companies are blaming the success of the iPad as a major reason. The iPad was first seen as a major competitor for e-book readers such as the Amazon Kindle and the Nook. However, its more powerful processor and graphics allow far more versatility in its applications. Few saw it as a full blown computing platform that would take on the Netbook market before its launch. Now that perception has certainly been challenged.

is the iPad a blessing for older adult users?

2010-08-24T20:49:00.000-07:00

There have been many reports of increased user satisfaction, at as well as it can be measured, with older adults that have purchased the iPad. The semi unique touch navigation system sported by the iPad is relatively easy to use as well as to learn. Not only is the iPad very responsive to touch input, it is very accurate for input types. An older adult with interactive limitations might find using a touchscreen easier to use than a standard mouse and keyboard combination. In fact many older adults have struggled to coordinate a mouse with an onscreen pointer. Even with specially designed mice, there appears to be a eye-hand coordination issue that has yet to be resolved. A touch screen tablet might be one way to make a computer system more accessible.

Android OS Tablet coming from Samsung

2010-08-24T20:46:00.000-07:00

The iPad has taken off like a rocket. The marketplace for tablets has seemingly been cemented with the product's great success so far. However, other manufacturers are coming forth with their own tablet type devices. Samsung will soon be bringing forward their own tablet type device based on the Android OS. The Android OS has had many kudos from users and developers alike and it will be interesting if their tablet will be successful. One major complaint about the Apple iPad is its closed App store. Users have had to resort to hacking their iPads in order to use non "App Store" apps or games. An open operating system such as Android might create a great deal of competition for the closed iPad OS.

Upcoming HCI Conferences

2010-08-22T19:40:00.000-07:00

Interaction-Design.org has a calendar of upcoming HCI conferences on their website. There are still many conferences being held this year and some conferences are still open for papers.

Remember the Atari St? Check out LGD

2010-08-22T19:32:00.000-07:00

The old Atari St was a 16 bit computer produced by Atari in the 1980s and early 1990s. The computer was a low cost entry that allowed anyone to use a GUI operating system and what was then very good graphics without breaking the bank. The only problem with the lineup was a lack of software and a low quality feel to the units. Later on new versions of the Atari ST came forward with advanced graphics, hard drives, and multitasking support.

For those that who either owned an Atari ST or wish to learn more about the machine, check out the LGD website. Popularly known as the Little Green Desktop, the author Richard Darvey. The website has a GEM OS theme to it.

Image: A screen-shot of the website the Little Green Men website

Building an Interface Design Bookshelf

2010-08-22T19:23:00.000-07:00

Here are some good books that can help anyone learn more about interface design and usability problems. Some are geared towards web interfaces while others are more general. Click on any of the titles to read reviews on Amazon.com.

Interface Design

Web Design

A Tool to Deceive and Slaughter: A work of art

2010-08-22T16:23:00.000-07:00

The latest hot item on Ebay is not a submarine or gold jewely. Its a black box that is currently going for $7000+ on Ebay. NPR has an interesting presentation on the item. The box is a work of art created by Caleb Larsen which requires that the owner

hook up the box to the internet and then sell the item on Ebay. Its an interesting piece of art and technology woven together. Basically it looks like the box is some type of computer embedded inside with programming to connect to Ebay and it will try to perceptually sell itself. On Ebay, the item has a long set of rules that the owner must abide by. Pretty wild stuff.

Logicbuy: One of My Favorite Deal Sites

2010-08-22T15:59:00.000-07:00

LogicBuy is a great resource for looking for current deals and coupon codes for electronic products. The site is easy to browse through current deals and to look at deals for specific online stores. There are many coupon codes available as well. I love general interface of the site which uses both product images and and easy to use discount code system. Perhaps the biggest, most elaborate section is the HDTV section with tons of deals on current tvs. The site also has a sliding menu of items from Amazon.com.
For futher read details, read my review of LogicBuy on Examiner.com.

Amazon.com links added to Interface 123

2010-08-22T13:55:00.001-07:00

Links to products from Amazon.com have been added to help sustain the blog. Each link will be positioned within specific blog posts and provide relevant products in regards to the content of the post.

Sony e-book readers are going for pennies

2010-08-21T20:37:00.000-07:00

On many websites including Amazon.com and Sears.com, Sony e-book readers are being sold at very low prices. Sears has several models for $99 and $129. Amazon.com has several on sale for $152.25 and higher. This begs the question of rather or not Sony is trying to clear out its lineup of e-book readers. The competition is incredibly fierce and many of Sony's higher end e-book readers have not gotten great reviews, especially their flagship model the "Daily Edition". Owners have complained that both the touch editions and the daily editions of the Sony e-book lineup suffer from glare problems when used in direct sunlight. Perhaps Sony will be bringing out new e-book models soon which might be the reason for the lowered prices on their e-book readers.

UMBC has a new student "MYUMBC" web portal page

2010-08-19T20:01:00.000-07:00

UMBC has done a nice job of upgrading their student portal, known as "MYUMBC". The portal now uses ruby on rails for added interactive features and a slick new interface that is more intuitive for some. Others may or may not love the interface but I find it quite usable. One caveat that I found is that the new portal still uses elements of the old portal's interface when opening certain areas of the general website. Thus there may be lack of consistenscy throughout the portal's pages.

Looking at Craigslist

2010-08-19T19:58:00.001-07:00

Craigslist has an amazing listing of job opportunities, gigs, volunteer opportunities, and resources to help anyone looking or studying for a new job. However, there are more than a few scams going on, some of which I managed to get hooked into myself. One scam is for writers offering too good to be true payments. The applicant is either sent to a third party site that tries to sell a service, or they might even be linked into a site that offers a download that has a virus. Stay alert and be careful on Craigslist.

Working as a freelance writer

2010-08-19T19:56:00.000-07:00

One of my jobs over the past year has been to work as a freelance writer. The work is both creative and sometimes too routine. Sometimes developing articles on the same subject matter can be difficult or tedious. Recently I began to write for the Associated Content website. AC seems to have a more active writer community than other sites that I have written for.

One major problem with being a freelance writer is that you have to learn how to edit your own work. For me this was and still is a major function of writing online articles. However, my earlier writings, especially those in the later fall of 2009, were not as good as I would have liked. I wasn't doing a credible enough job re-reading my work and I made quite a bit of errors. Several writers and editors even wrote blog entries about my poor writing which definitely made an impression. Since then I have struggled and hopefully improved my editing skills a great bit. Every article written gets re-read and edited at least twice. That is not say that every article is great or even good. Some are mediocre at best or just dull.

The easiest articles to write tend to be short news clips which can be found through press releases on major company websites. Intel, Microsoft, HP, Cisco, and many others have press release pages filled with new stories waiting to be plucked. However, there are probably about a hundred other news writers also picking up the news. Thus news stories are usually not going to be original or stand out.

The better stories are often original, well researched articles have thoughtful content. While these types of stories might not appear as popular at first, in the long run they tend to draw in more readers.

The Apple iPad

2010-08-16T14:59:00.000-07:00

The Apple iPad has been garnering lots of attention lately. There are even fights breaking out about it online. Some people love the device while others seem to find it lacking. Much of the media hyped the iPad as a glorified e-book reader while others bemoaned its lack of Flash support. For those of you that have used or own one what are your thoughts? I have tried the iPad out and love the interface. However, the lack of Flash video support would be a major problem for sites such as Youtube.

Websites online

2010-08-16T14:23:00.000-07:00

Several of my own websites created as a study are now online. These include the following:

The Yoga Mat
Perhaps my favorite website so far. The site is a fictional company frontal port for its yoga services. Animated navigation buttons are used throughout the site.

The Chesapeake House
A very basic single page web site.

Neavitt
Another single page design

The Lunch Counter
An interesting attempt at more colorful design elements for a fictional restaurant.

The Train Depot
A graphics gallery type website with photos and clip art images

Classes and the UMBC HCC program

2010-08-16T14:18:00.000-07:00

UMBC has the Human Centered Computing Studies program in which I am a master's degree student. The program has had an overhaul this year with new courses, more courses, and even advertising on local bulletin boards on I83 in Baltimore. This may be great news for current and prospective students. However, UMBC's program will soon face strong competition from UMCP, its main sister school. Next fall UMCP will start providing a master's degree in HCI. Currently UMCP has a major HCIL or human computer interaction lab facility that draws major research grants from government and corporate sources. The professors and researchers at UMCP are top notch. On the other hand, UMBC has some excellent teachers and researchers itself including Dr Sears, Dr Komlodi, Dr. Rubin, Dr Norcio, Dr. Ozok, and many others. It should be interesting to see if both schools do well or if one school does better with student enrollment than the other.

The Job Market

2010-08-16T14:15:00.000-07:00

The job market looks especially tough now but several areas seem to be opening up. One is for internships for the fall. Numerous companies and government agencies are seeking people for internships. Second, there are companies that actually starting to hire more people, at least in the technology field.

The one aspect about the usability and web design fields is that many jobs are being listed with a long list of requirements. Companies seem to want an abundance in skills, some of which take years of experience such as programming. Some companies want more programming skills than design aptitude while others want more design skills.

Current Work

2010-08-16T14:09:00.000-07:00

My current jobs, a part from being a graduate student, include working on several news sites to write articles on technology, travel, and other issues. My most recent site is Associate Content. My other sites include Examiner.com and TravelMaharishi.

Writing has been a fascinating opportunity, one that I have not really done before. Posting articles is very different than blogging, as I found out late last year when certain people took my mistakes to task. Since then I have tried to improve both my writing and editing skills.

Greetings!

2010-08-16T14:07:00.000-07:00

It has been well over a year or more since my last blog post. Its time to start back up posting. This is my third year in graduate school and I am working on a master's thesis in older adult interactions with e-commerce sites with Dr. Ozok. I can't say enough about encouragement and patience that Dr. Ozok has shown me and I hope the project will work out well.