Learning Portfolio IV

Question 1.

The author of this week’s article (Fogg) discussed credibility as a key attribute to evaluate online resources. In your own words, describe why it is important that we evaluate credibility of websites. In your discussion, provide an example of how credibility of the Web resources could affect you as a student.

 

We must evaluate all sources that are to be included in any academic capacity, if we did not any one could make outrageous claims that others may come to believe even with evidence that contradicts or cancels that claim outright. Any information that presents itself on the web as credible must be verified and substantiated, but due to the internet age the appearance of an article being published is not necessarily verification of its relevance or quality (Gilster, 1997 as cited by Flanagin & Metzger,2000). Conspiracy People who may want to believe a certain claim or source of information will often succumb to conformation bias, conformations bias “states that people tend to favour information that confirms their beliefs—not only in deciding what to read but also in how they interpret what they read about” Prior, 2003 (as cited by Vydiswaran, Zhai, Roth, & Pirolli 2015).  As students we are often tasked with writing to an academic level in that the information we use to form and substantiate our views or work must stand up to legitimate scrutiny.

 

Question 2.

 

In the learning portfolio, Wikipedia is not accepted as a credible resource for academic assignments. What do you think is the reason Wikipedia is not accepted?

 

Wikipedia is not accepted as a credible resource for academic usages, due to the fact that anyone who accesses Wikipedia can edit and contribute free of the necessary credentials or experience in writing about the subject they are editing. The entire site is mostly run by volunteers that contribute and clean up the wiki when people vandalise certain sections as being open to all, people have in the past wilfully added false information to subjects. This in itself is the problem, if Wikipedia was an online encyclopaedia that experts or qualified academics contributed to and could not be altered by people who had no formal education or understanding of the subject that they edit, Wikipedia would have more credibility. The case though is that by opening Wikipedia as a collective encyclopaedia for all to use and that can be edited by anyone, there is no set academic standard or peer review process in place to critique, assess credibility and relevance in adding to the collective whole of that subject.

 

Question 3.

 

In dot points, in your own words, list anticipated issues that may affect the users’ perceived Web credibility in future

•  Websites that look legitimate may be false or cloned websites used to gather your information for criminal purposes.
• Unknown as to who set the site up, as anything can be faked giving a sense of legitimacy.
• Ad pop ups and advertising.
• Your data when accessing websites may be sold to outside parties.
• The tracking of your location and online activity.
• Spelling errors, grammar mistakes from sites purporting to be run by professionals.
• User interface is hard to navigate.
• Site has not been updated in some time.
• Site is using discredited information or not widely accepted information.
• The site or organisation is not well known.
• Online scams.
• Information is conveyed without citations or references.
• The internet is widely used now for entertainment purposes instead of its original use.
• Missing images or links that don’t work on websites.
• Everyone online is a self-described expert.
• The way sites ae ranked in search engines, possibly overlooking better sites.

 

Learning activity.

 

Find a website for each type of credibility (i.e. presumed, reputed, surface, and earned) and upload snapshots of the websites on your blog site. Provide a brief explanation why the websites are credible.

 

Presumed

Sea Shepard based on being a non-profit organisation that seeks to conserve the ocean and its inhabitants.

http://www.seashepherd.org.au/

 

Reputed

Keep seeing endorsements in entertainment sections of news outlets and magazines.

https://www.netflix.com/au/

Surface

Gives the impression of an industry expert news site.

http://www.defensenews.com/

Earned

A petition did its rounds and I was sceptical at first using the site due to requiring log on information. I have been using for over a year now when a petition pops up that I can help and agree with.

https://www.change.org/en-AU

 

 

References

Flanagin, A. J., & Metzger, M. J. (2000). Perceptions of Internet Information Credibility. Journalism and Mass Communication Quarterly, 77(3), 515-540. doi:10.1177/107769900007700304

Vydiswaran, V. G. V., Zhai, C., Roth, D., & Pirolli, P. (2015). Overcoming Bias to Learn about Controversial Topics. Journal of the Association for Information Science and Technology, 66(8), 1655-1672. doi:10.1002/asi.23274

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Learning Portfolio III

Question 1.

In your own words, write a summary of the article and provide critical analysis/discussion on the topic of the article.

 

Performance load can be thought of as the necessary mental and physical activity required in order to carry out a set task. Designers have noted that, if an increasing amount of mental effort is required in order to complete a task, then it is less likely to be completed successfully. Correspondingly it is noted that if the task has a less demanding performance load, it becomes more likely that the task will be completed quickly and with few or any errors (Doctordisrpution,2011)

 

Cognitive load

The higher the cognitive load required to complete a task, the more likely that errors will occur in completing the task, as finite mental resources become stretched to the point that the probability of errors increase in proportion to the increasing mental load. Cognitive load theory is the belief that humans possess limited working memory, memory that is required for completing tasks (Haji, Rojas, Childs, Ribaupierre & Dubrowski, 2015).  

 

Kinematic load

Each activity undertaken requires physical activity in order to complete its dependant number of steps and force is required in order to complete those steps. The reducing or extending of those steps increases or decreases the force and effort of physical activity required (Doctordisruption, 2011).

 

Question 2.

The authors mentioned a design technique of “chunking” information to reduce cognitive load. Define and describe the chunking technique in relation to design and visual communication.

 

From a cognitive load theory perspective, it has been shown that smaller chunks of information are easier to hold in working memory, later this will aid in facilitating mental integration (Kalyuga, Ayres & Sweller, 2011). By grouping information in to chunks of digestible units we are able to convey large amounts information without overloading our working memory capacity and capabilities. Digestible units are composed of no more than nine separate items of information, nine separate items of information were chosen due to studies showing that this was the optimal amount of items a person remembers with the result of studies arriving at the magic number of seven items plus or minus two, known as the chunking limit (CA software in practice,2015). From a written communication standpoint by chunking information we are able to make those chunks of information stand out from a sea of data or words and can make information easier to digest and remember. From a visual design point chunking images allows images to be organised into recognisable groups for presentation purposes enabling an audience to process your information efficiently and with clarity.

 

Question (3).

The authors borrowed ideas traditionally studied by the psychology to discuss effective visual design. Why do you think a study of psychology is necessary (or not necessary) in design?

 

Psychology is absolutely necessary for effective visual design among other applications, as our psychological make up as human beings and how our individual experiences shape our psychology largely influence and dictate our actions. Effective visual design that is grounded in how humans perceive their reality, is provided by psychology as limitless potential in conveying information or ideas presents itself when combining those two ideas. For example, it has been proven that the way a product is tailored to the selected consumer, will ultimately determine if the consumer will by that product. Selling products is not the only thing effective design coupled with psychological insight can achieve, for example the Obama poster that was used in the first successful election of Barrack Obama to the office of the US President is a good example of where psychology and visual design meet to complement each other.

 

Activity) Provide 3 visual examples of products or artefacts (found in everyday surroundings) that satisfy the design principle of Performance load. Upload them on your blog site with a brief explanation why the products satisfied the design principle.

 

(Image Shepard Fairey’s Barrack “HOPE” Obama poster 2008)

The Obama hope poster is a good example of the principles in performance load. There are minimal steps required in ascertaining the intent behind the poster, the designer of the poster intended for the audience to associate Barrack Obama who was campaigning to be elected President of the United States of America with the emotion and belief of Hope. The context of the time around his election campaign add further weight behind the campaigns poster, as the US was undergoing domestic problems concerning ongoing foreign wars, economic problems and social upheaval. This poster was an attempt to break with the status quo of the political class in voting for what was considered a new untarnished politician who believed he could make a difference for the average American but could not do so without the support of voters who might otherwise be jaded with the political process.

 

 

 

 

 

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(Image unknown author. Retrieved 28^th May 2016 from http://shimonacarvalho.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/cockpit.jpg)

An aircraft cockpit is designed in such a way as to reduce the performance load between two people, who are each in charge of certain functions. The cognitive load and the Kinematic load these days are reduced due to the advent of autopilot and the automation of various aspects of the aircraft.

 

If you compare Windows 3.0 with Windows 95 (9.0) you can see improvements in kinematic load theory as the desktop interface is less cluttered and with the introduction of windows 95’s more user friendly interface and operating system, it would lead to truly incredible amounts or revenue for Microsoft which coupled with its success would cement them as the go to operating system company and product.

(Image above, Microsoft Windows 3.0. Microsoft Corporation, uploaded to Wikipedia 2010)

 

 

(Image right, Microsoft Windows 95 (9.0). Microsoft Corporation, uploaded to Wikipedia 2014)

 

 

References

Doctordisruption. (2011). Principles of Design #36 – Performance Load. Retrieved 28^th May 2016 from, http://www.doctordisruption.com/design/principles-of-design-36-performance-load/

 

Haji, F. A., Rojas, D., Childs, R., Ribaupierre, S., & Dubrowski, A. (2015). Measuring Cognitive Load: Performance, Mental Effort and Simulation Task Complexity. Medical Education, 49(8), 815-827. doi:10.1111/medu.12773

 

Kalyuga, S., Ayres, P., & Sweller, J. (2011). Cognitive Load Theory (1. Aufl. ed.) Springer Science + Business Media.

 

Chambers and Associates. (2016). CA software in Practice. Definition: Chunking in Practice. Retrieved 28^th May 2016 from, http://www.chambers.com.au/glossary/chunking_principle.php

 

Fairey, S. (2008). Barrack “HOPE” Obama Poster. Retrieve 28^th May 2016 from,https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/5/55/Barack_Obama_Hope_poster.jpg

 

Image unknown author. Retrieved 28^th May 2016 from http://shimonacarvalho.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/cockpit.jpg

 

Image Microsoft Corporation Windows 95. (2014). Wikipedia Upload. Retrieved 28^th May 2016 from, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windows_95#/media/File:Windows_95_at_first_run.png

 

Image Microsoft Corporation Windows 3.0. (2010). Wikipedia Upload. Retrieved 28^th May 2016 from, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Windows_3.0_workspace.png

 

Learning Portfolio II

Question (1)

In your own words, write a summary of the article and provide critical analysis/discussion on the topic of the article.

 

Consistency is a design principle that is used every day with most people unaware of its impact and importance in everyday life. Consistency is the principle that familiar designs create a more efficient usage, as a familiar design that incorporates the same features across different products facilitates the learning and usability of that design feature. An example would be the power on buttons logo that you see on various electronics, as we have all come to know its meaning and usage which enables designers to facilitate that conceptual meaning across different mediums. Consistency encompasses four kinds of consistency, aesthetic, functional, internal and external consistency. According to DiMarco (2011) aesthetic consistency refers to style and appearance, while functional consistency yields coherency and action.  Functional consistency can be put, that if your audience is accustomed to certain conventions it would make sense to keep or adopt those same conventions in order to help people feel comfortable and well served. Internal consistency is having the same internal designs throughout your design in order to facilitate an ease of use and comfort as more people use your design, the more they come to rely on these designs unchanging during their interactions, so that a logical sequence of events become the basis of their interaction (Schlatter, Levinson, 2013). A good example of consistency at work is with Apple and their iPad product, the iPad has the same look across all its models and which has defined the shape of personal tablet in their appearance (Macari, 2012) which can be argued as aesthetic and external consistency. Apple has gone so far as to attempt in obtaining a patent on the rectangle shape with curved edges, as representing Apple and the iPad as a whole. The iPad has the same operating system across all models with similar function buttons and digital interfaces, this creates internal and functional consistency (Cole, 2012).

 

Question 2.

Study 3 examples  that meet the principle of consistency. Provide a reasoned explanation for each example why they meet the design.

(Image Xbox One, Microsoft Corporation 2016)

The Xbox console system as shown keeps to a consistent design of both aesthetic, functional and external consistency. I have never opened one up internally but I would imagine that it follows some sort of engineering internal consistency. Aesthetically the Xbox keeps to the similar console shape across generations and has always retained the X emblem on the console and on the controller centre top. Functionally the controller has remained the same shape with the same general layout of controls and input buttons, which have remained the same due to the principal of functionality and external consistency. This consistency across Xbox console generations enables the purchase of the console by customers who may not want to retain themselves in utilising a different controller, maintains an emotional connection and keeps external consistency.

 

 (McDonald’s logo 2014)

The McDonalds logo has always remained unchanged in representing it product of fast-food with the Golden arches, the arches have always maintained a presence across generations of rebranding attempts by McDonalds, maintaining external consistency. The combination of yellow, red and white have always been maintained in the logo, with various attempts over the years by McDonalds to increase customers by reinventing the logo into an aesthetically pleasing symbol while maintaining those same colours and the golden arches. Internally the company sells the exact same menu barring regional additions and the same food is prepared the exact same way the world over in an attempt to maintain internal consistency of its fast food.

The emergency exit sign, by law must retain external and functional consistency in order for everyone to understand its purpose for health, safety and emergency management reasons. The emergency exit sign by law must maintain internal consistency across government and private sectors, with the aesthetics of a green light with the symbol of the man heading through a door with the arrow pointing towards it also apart of this law.

 

( Image of Emergency Exit, Electrosafe 2009)

 

References

DiMarco, J. (2010;2011;). Digital Design for Print and Web: An Introduction to Theory, Principles, and Techniques (1. Aufl.;1; ed.). Hoboken, N.J: John Wiley & Sons.

 

Schlatter, T., Levinson, D. A. (2013). Visual Usability: Principles and Practices for Designing Digital Applications. Amsterdam: Morgan Kaufmann Publishers is an imprint of Elsevier.

 

Macari, M. (2012). Apple Finally gets Its Patent on a Rectangle with Rounded Corners. The Verge. Retrieved 28^th May 2016 from,http://www.theverge.com/2012/11/7/3614506/apple-patents-rectangle-with-rounded-corners

 

Cole, D. (2012). Why is Consistency Important in Design.Slate.com. Retrieved 28^th May 2016 from, http://www.slate.com/blogs/quora/2012/12/24/why_is_consistency_important_in_design.html

 

Image Xbox One, Microsoft Corporation 2016. Retrieved 28th May 2016 from http://www.xbox.com/en-AU

 

McDonalds logo 2014. Retrieved 28th May 2016 from http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RqYB17wDo-g/UYy9LpAtV_I/AAAAAAAAADU/EudLH7974p0/s1600/Mcdonalds-Logo-HD-Wallpaper.jpg

 

Image of emergency exit, Electrosafe 2009. Retrieved 28th may 2016 from http://www.electrosafe.com.au/site/DefaultSite/filesystem/images/emergency-EXIT.jpg

 

Learning Portfolio I

Question 1.

In your own words, write a summary of the article and provide critical analysis/discussion on the topic of the article.

The aesthetic usability effect is the name given to the effect noted when an individual perceives that a relationship exists between appearance (aesthetics) and function(usability) when none may reasonably exist at all (Conklin, Koubek, Thurman & Newman,2006).  According to Lewalski and Veryzer “Aesthetic responses are formed on the basis of intrinsic elements of the stimulus, and they encompass strong attention and involvement” (as cited by Bloch,1995). For example, if two computers were near identical enough for there to be only minimal differences in hardware ability, the design that is more aesthetically and emotionally pleasing may come to be viewed superior. Consumers are more willing to overlook certain design flaws if the item appeals to them on an individual level, another example would be to ask someone if they would prefer an electric car or a Ferrari. People may choose the Ferrari based on name appeal, the perceived speed of a Ferrari and what they may consider aesthetically appealing cars, without taking into account the different specifications of the two cars (Newbold, 2015).

People may overlook the electric car based on a perceived stigma attached to them as a general view in some of the public is that electric cars are slow and require constant recharge. That may have been the case in the past. but for instance the Tesla Model S P90D can accelerate from 0-60MPH in 2.6 seconds which very few supercars can achieve, even though it does look somewhat like family car (CNN Money,2015). How one feels about a design in areas other than aesthetics, has been identified in such areas as brand loyalty  as  individuals will repeatedly use a product or design if it has an emotional component. An example would be if the first tablet you owned was an IPad, if the experience was positive with fond memories you may choose another iPad based on brand loyalty, as you may have become emotional attached to the design. Possibly missing out on a superior product (Pedeliento, Andreini, Bergamaschi & Salo, 2016).

 

Question 2.

Study 3 examples  that meet the aesthetic-usability effect principle. Provide a reasoned explanation for each item why they meet the design principle.

The iPad since being first introduced has set the benchmark for hand held tablets often supplanting the traditional laptop or desktop computers for some consumers. When the iPad came out it was already riding on the success of apples iPhone and iPod, people who had already had an attachment to either one of those devices would most likely buy the iPad due to brand loyalty, emotional dimensions and the perceived aesthetic usability effect from its sleek uncluttered design and interface.

(Apple IPad image, GMS Arena 2016)

 

Apples market dominance gives people a sense of security in purchasing an their products, after all how can  millions of people be wrong in buying Apple products. This effect blinded people from purchasing similar items that fulfil the function of the iPad from Apples competitors.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Yeezy prices Aididas vs Nike , illustrated by Dan Freebairn  2015)

If you look at the picture above, you see the aesthetic usability effect in the competition between rival shoe manufacturers.  These shoes as with all things in a capitalist system are made with the least cost possible in order to maximise profits and these shoes are often made in third world countries for a handful of dollars for a unit. They are then sold to people based on nothing more than a popular endorsement, an aesthetically pleasing design and an emotional component possibly of pride in owning a pair/exclusivity. A cheaper pair of well-made shoes which may not look aesthetically pleasing but are of sound economical sense, are overlooked due to the effect.

(Image titled 3-Tastenmaus_Microsoft, Wikipedia 2005)

Pictured is a computer mouse we use every day, but in order for a competitor who is selling a mouse that does the exact same function, the seller must do more to differentiate why the buyer should purchase theirs. In order to sell their mouse, the seller must design it in such a way to catch the buyers eye. Below is a design that utilises sharp lines, angles and has additional buttons all encased in a dark black colour with a florescent logo. The aesthetic usability effect would suggest that the average buyer will perceive the mouse below as more functional, when in fact they serve the same function, but one just has a more appealing design.

 

(Logitech G502 Proteus Tunable Gaming Mouse, Harvey Norman 2016)

 

References

Bloch, P. H. (1995). Seeking the Ideal Form: Product Design and Consumer Response. Journal of Marketing, 59(3), 16-29.

 

Valdes-Dapena, P. (2015). Motor Trend: Tesla Quicker than Ferrari, Bugatti: CNN money. Retrieved 28^th May 2016 from, http://money.cnn.com/2015/10/29/autos/tesla-fast/

 

Newbold, C. (2015). The Visual Communication Guy.Com, Design Principle: Aesthetic Usability Effect. Retrived 28^th May 2016 from, http://thevisualcommunicationguy.com/2015/10/18/design-principle-aesthetic-usability-effect/

 

Conklin, S. M., Koubek, R. J., Thurman, J. A., & Newman, L. C. (2006). The Effects of Aesthetics and Cognitive Style on Perceived Usability. Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Annual Meeting Proceedings, 50(18), 2153-2153.

 

Pedeliento, G., Andreini, D., Bergamaschi, M., & Salo, J. (2016;2014;). Brand and Product Attachment in an Industrial Context: The Effects on Brand Loyalty. Industrial Marketing Management, 53, 194-206. doi:10.1016/j.indmarman.2015.06.007

 

Apple IPad image, GMS Arena 2016. Retrieved 28th May 2016 from http://www.gsmarena.com/apple_ipad_air-pictures-5797.php

 

Yeezy prices Aididas vs Nike , illustrated by Dan Freebairn  2015. Retrieved 28th May 2016 from http://www.highsnobiety.com/2015/08/25/yeezy-resell-adidas-nike/

 

Image titled 3-Tastenmaus_Microsoft, Wikipedia 2005. Retrieved 28th May 2016 from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:3-Tastenmaus_Microsoft.jpg

 

Logitech G502 Proteus Tunable Gaming Mouse, Harvey Norman 2016. Retrieved 28th May 2016 from http://www.harveynorman.com.au/computers-tablets/computer-accessories/keyboards-mouse-mats/logitech-g502-proteus-tunable-gaming-mouse.html