Interactive Design

Definition

Interactive design defines the behavior of a system when it is being controlled by a user within different environments, eg Biological, technological, and online . Research is usually carried out before taking on the design project to identify what is important and relevant to the user, and what design elements can be utilized in the best way to communicate efficiently to the user. New technologies are becoming more complicated, so designers aim to minimize this by increasing functionality and efficacy without taking away value of the technologies functionality.

Examples

Examples of interactive design can be anything where a design process has undergone to create a user friendly interface of some kind to help users use the technology.

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• Google Earth

Google Earth is a good example because there are thousands of different ways in which users can change, and interact with the program so that they can view what they are cooling for in different ways. Eg. In 3d, street view, underwater, view in weather, time of day etc.

• Socialvibe

Socialvibe is an incredible interactive webpage because it allows everyday people give to charity simply for doing surveys, putting badges with advertisement on their pages, and completing task with other users around the world.

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Information or Instructional Design

Definition

Information or instructional design refers to the way that a list or order of steps that instruct, or inform the user to carry out a certain job/skill/practice is designed. A good design must be functional, uncluttered and cater for the target audience. These designs can be anything from computer instructions, and 'how to's to non electrical instructional step that attempt the inform the user to correctly. It is also important the the design is able be followed by users around the world, especially if the design is web based. Desingers need to consider things like; legibility, text or font, size, and whether image instructions are required to aid the written instructions.

Example

Anything that informs or instructs users to carry out a practice is an example of an informational or instructional design. These include things like application instructions, safety instructions, way finding instructions, steps in recipes, articles etc.

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• Game instructions

This example is from a game called 'Farm Ville'. The offer is that if you become are 'dedicated farmer' you receive bonuses. The graphic above is an example of an instructional design because it tells you exactly what to do, including links of where to do it, and a percentage bar indicated how much of the task has been completed.

• Internet upload instructions

This example is of an image sharing host where users can upload their photos, and place them onto placeholders or within their webpages. The uploading screen is simple and precise where instructions are in bold and the links are easy to see.

• Fan Pages

This example is another annoying Facebook instructional page. The page asks you to carry out several steps which support and promote them before you can access the material. Eg in this screen shot, they ask you to 'add as friend' to see 'The most dramatic Break up caught on tape'.

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References (click to view page)


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Web 2.0

Definition

The term Web 2.0 refers to a new generation of browsing that has occurred on the web. This new way of browsing had been brought about because designers made their designs more interactive for users, this meant that users could be more involved and thus felt more comfortable using the software. By interacting with the software, users thus interacted with other users, which leads to networking and online communities. Web 2.0 means users can do more then just gather information from a webpage.

Example

Any webpages that enable the user to edit, change or add things to the webpage is part of the Web 2.0 continuum. These may include social networking sites, blogs, chatrooms, videorooms, video tubes and online banking.

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• Facebook

Facebook is an excellent example of the web 2.0 continuum because it has become a community within a community. This webpage can digitally inform users of their friend's and families whereabouts, doings, achievements and photos & videos all at a click of a button. This is also evident in the reverse where people can update their profile daily so that what was discussed above can be viewed.

• Twitter

Twitter is similar to Facebook as it updates and informs through interaction of users and viewers. But twitter has naturally become a, for lack of a better word, a 'celebrity-stalking' device where fans can track and be updated on what they are doing and or thinking at any particular time.

• Myspace

Myspace, similar again to Facebook and twitter, is a social networking site that relies on users to interact with each other for it to function correctly. These days, Myspace is generally used for musicians to display their work for potential buyers to preview.

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