I found this essay on my research travels, it has covers good and bad user interfaces such as the iphone, atm machines and websites, it also covers bad use of signs aswell.
Its worth a look.
Good and bad user interfaces
Friday, 29 April 2011
atm machine
I found this screenshot of an fake ATM machine when I was scouring the world wide web for "examples" for my unit 104-105 assignment.
I think there would be a few ethical issues with this example so it might be a good example for that too.
I think there would be a few ethical issues with this example so it might be a good example for that too.
Wednesday, 27 April 2011
Uses of interactive media- In Game Advertising
Here is an example from my unit 104-105 assignment the uses of interactive media part.
YES ive used GAMESAGAIN well they are interactive media and I do play alot of them.
Marketing
Interactive media can be used for marketing. Advertisers can utilise interactive media to attract the attention of consumers in ways that may not be possible with standard advertising. Marketing methods that use interactive media include flash based demonstrations of products online and advertisements within existing interactive media such as product or brand promotion inside video games.
This is an example of in-game advertising. The advertisers have included there advertisements as part of video game environments. In this example when the player looks around the environment they can see brand names advertised on billboards. This allows the advertiser to reach users in a whole new way whereas the user can ignore standard advertising users become highly engaged in video games exploring environments with detail and will take more notice of these adverts that are out of place against the game environment.
The limitations of marketing within interactive media concern the target audience. The target market for the game will depend on what product can be advertised within it. In the above examples advertisements for a mobile phone brand and a fast food chain have been included as part of an environment in a video game. This is OK for this game whose target audience is males 18-35, however it would not be appropriate to advertise a fast food chain such as McDonald's inside a fitness game because this would not suit the audience of the game. The target audience of the advertisement should match the target audience that the game is aimed at. However there are many different genre's of video game and these genres are forever expanding, so advertisers can take there pick and choose their target audience
correctly. Another limitation is overuse. These In game adverts may work at the moment because they stand out greatly, but if there ever comes a time when anybody and everybody are using this form of interactive media to advertise then the adverts may get lost within a sea of advertisements making this form of marketing ineffective.
YES ive used GAMESAGAIN well they are interactive media and I do play alot of them.
Marketing
Interactive media can be used for marketing. Advertisers can utilise interactive media to attract the attention of consumers in ways that may not be possible with standard advertising. Marketing methods that use interactive media include flash based demonstrations of products online and advertisements within existing interactive media such as product or brand promotion inside video games.
This is an example of in-game advertising. The advertisers have included there advertisements as part of video game environments. In this example when the player looks around the environment they can see brand names advertised on billboards. This allows the advertiser to reach users in a whole new way whereas the user can ignore standard advertising users become highly engaged in video games exploring environments with detail and will take more notice of these adverts that are out of place against the game environment.
The limitations of marketing within interactive media concern the target audience. The target market for the game will depend on what product can be advertised within it. In the above examples advertisements for a mobile phone brand and a fast food chain have been included as part of an environment in a video game. This is OK for this game whose target audience is males 18-35, however it would not be appropriate to advertise a fast food chain such as McDonald's inside a fitness game because this would not suit the audience of the game. The target audience of the advertisement should match the target audience that the game is aimed at. However there are many different genre's of video game and these genres are forever expanding, so advertisers can take there pick and choose their target audience
correctly. Another limitation is overuse. These In game adverts may work at the moment because they stand out greatly, but if there ever comes a time when anybody and everybody are using this form of interactive media to advertise then the adverts may get lost within a sea of advertisements making this form of marketing ineffective.
Tuesday, 26 April 2011
quite cool interactive website
I aways stumble across stuff like this when looking for examples for my research assignments. I was looking for an example of an interactive flash movie and i came across the 1st zoomquilt. Ive posted the link to the second one on my blog in the past, admittidley the 1st one is knowhere near as good as the second but it is good to use for a critical analysis of both of them.
Youll find it if you click on this link
Youll find it if you click on this link
Interactive flash movies (for entertainment purposes)
I found this interactive flash movie during my research travels, when you click on a horse it starts singing, its quite entertaining even if it takes your mind from your homework.
heres the link
heres the link
flash movies for entertainment purposes
Alot of user generated content on the web has been made for entertainment purposes.
like this flash movie.It actually takes the mick out of the software thats why i like it.
heres the link
my younger brother pointed out that there is also a game based on this animation, we found it eventually, you have to use the tools to try and defeat the victim.
Its very hard though.
youll find the game here
I couldnt do it to be honest, i thought it was a good example of interactive media that was made for entertainment purposes though.
like this flash movie.It actually takes the mick out of the software thats why i like it.
heres the link
my younger brother pointed out that there is also a game based on this animation, we found it eventually, you have to use the tools to try and defeat the victim.
Its very hard though.
youll find the game here
I couldnt do it to be honest, i thought it was a good example of interactive media that was made for entertainment purposes though.
Monday, 25 April 2011
Investigate uses of interactive media
Here is a critical analysis and investigation of an interactive media product from my unit 104-105 assignment.
when investigating the piece of interactive media i asked myself these questions to ensure that I critically evaluated the example and met the distinction criteria.
I asked myself........
What is the example of?
What media has the creator used?
How does this help the user/viewer?
What does the interactivity help the viewer achieve?
How does the interactivity help them to avhieve this?
What are the limitations of this particular interactive media example?
Is this limitation justified? If not why?
I thought it best to start with an introduction into the interactive media example, I didnt want to dive straight in to evaluating, this gave me some starting ground for my investigation.
Games
Interactive media can be in the form of games. Games can include those found on the web, CD or DVD ROM or games played on a games console. Games require a high level of interaction by the user usually by moving a computer mouse, pressing buttons on a controller or aiming a remote at the screen. By interacting the user can make there character explore interactive environments, complete certain actions or moves and even respond to other characters in the game.
Here is an example of a game being played. This particular example is from "The Legend of Zelda Skywards Sword". The creators of this game have combined interactivity where the user swings the remote to swing the characters sword and level exploration to enhance the users experience. The interactivity in the above example lets the user control the character and explore the environment by pressing different button combinations on there controller. This interaction allows the user to progress through the game. The game is uses sound effects to let the user know if they are injured or if they have unlocked something in the game a specific sound effect is played.. A limitation with these particular types of Game are that you have to have a games console to play it on which can be quite expensive. Without it you would not be able to play this game. However the interactivity in video games such as this example creates an extremely high level of entertainment that is endless which justifies buying the console.
thats the evaluation done, now time to investigate the use of interactivity, fonts and overall design, i decided to compare this to another example to make my investigation ore comprehensive
I asked myself these questions...
How is the example interactive?
What does the interactivity help the user achieve?
How does the particular example illustrate the point you are trying to make?
How clear is the font is it easy or hard to read? Why?
What are the uses of the fonts?
Is the overall design a good or bad example of interactive media?
Why is it good or bad?
Use of interactivity
The use of interactivity in this particular example requires the user to swing a Wii remote and press buttons on a controller making there character complete certain actions, these actions change depending on the combination of buttons that the player presses. There are on screen images of the controllers that move showing the player exactly what they have to do to interact with characters, use weapons etc. these images have been strategically placed so they will provide a visual aid for the user without decreasing the user experience by blocking the action.
Use of fonts
The use of fonts in this game are bold and easy to read and provide on screen instructions on how to use the remote and what buttons to press on the controller. The placing of the font is on the sides of the screen and stands out against the background without obstructing the players view of the screen. The use of font in this interactive media example is not limited to on screen instructions
if a player interacts with another character or object a text box appears at the foot of the screen providing the player with information that allows them to progress with the game.
Overall design
This video game “ The legend of Zelda, skyward sword” is a very good example of a piece of interactive media that has been designed with the user in mind. As mentioned above the placement of visual aids on the screen has been well thought out to help the user and does not decrease the user experience unlike the example below from the game Shrek cart for the iphone.
Show another example of similar interactive media..
How do the examples differ?
The font in this example that is meant to help the user determine what position they are in in the race is too large and obstructs the users view of the screen. The iphone screen is smaller than the screen you would use to play a conventional video game which makes this design choice even worse. The outcome is that it greatly decreases the user experience.
...and thats it, it may seem like alot of work but if you dont waffle on and get straight to the point youll find that your critical evaluation practically writes itself, if you include examples this also helps but only if you include exactly what it is about the example that illustartes the point you are trying to make, and thats the difference between a merit and a distinction.
when investigating the piece of interactive media i asked myself these questions to ensure that I critically evaluated the example and met the distinction criteria.
I asked myself........
What is the example of?
What media has the creator used?
How does this help the user/viewer?
What does the interactivity help the viewer achieve?
How does the interactivity help them to avhieve this?
What are the limitations of this particular interactive media example?
Is this limitation justified? If not why?
I thought it best to start with an introduction into the interactive media example, I didnt want to dive straight in to evaluating, this gave me some starting ground for my investigation.
Games
Interactive media can be in the form of games. Games can include those found on the web, CD or DVD ROM or games played on a games console. Games require a high level of interaction by the user usually by moving a computer mouse, pressing buttons on a controller or aiming a remote at the screen. By interacting the user can make there character explore interactive environments, complete certain actions or moves and even respond to other characters in the game.
Here is an example of a game being played. This particular example is from "The Legend of Zelda Skywards Sword". The creators of this game have combined interactivity where the user swings the remote to swing the characters sword and level exploration to enhance the users experience. The interactivity in the above example lets the user control the character and explore the environment by pressing different button combinations on there controller. This interaction allows the user to progress through the game. The game is uses sound effects to let the user know if they are injured or if they have unlocked something in the game a specific sound effect is played.. A limitation with these particular types of Game are that you have to have a games console to play it on which can be quite expensive. Without it you would not be able to play this game. However the interactivity in video games such as this example creates an extremely high level of entertainment that is endless which justifies buying the console.
thats the evaluation done, now time to investigate the use of interactivity, fonts and overall design, i decided to compare this to another example to make my investigation ore comprehensive
I asked myself these questions...
How is the example interactive?
What does the interactivity help the user achieve?
How does the particular example illustrate the point you are trying to make?
How clear is the font is it easy or hard to read? Why?
What are the uses of the fonts?
Is the overall design a good or bad example of interactive media?
Why is it good or bad?
Use of interactivity
The use of interactivity in this particular example requires the user to swing a Wii remote and press buttons on a controller making there character complete certain actions, these actions change depending on the combination of buttons that the player presses. There are on screen images of the controllers that move showing the player exactly what they have to do to interact with characters, use weapons etc. these images have been strategically placed so they will provide a visual aid for the user without decreasing the user experience by blocking the action.
Use of fonts
The use of fonts in this game are bold and easy to read and provide on screen instructions on how to use the remote and what buttons to press on the controller. The placing of the font is on the sides of the screen and stands out against the background without obstructing the players view of the screen. The use of font in this interactive media example is not limited to on screen instructions
if a player interacts with another character or object a text box appears at the foot of the screen providing the player with information that allows them to progress with the game.
Overall design
This video game “ The legend of Zelda, skyward sword” is a very good example of a piece of interactive media that has been designed with the user in mind. As mentioned above the placement of visual aids on the screen has been well thought out to help the user and does not decrease the user experience unlike the example below from the game Shrek cart for the iphone.
Show another example of similar interactive media..
How do the examples differ?
The font in this example that is meant to help the user determine what position they are in in the race is too large and obstructs the users view of the screen. The iphone screen is smaller than the screen you would use to play a conventional video game which makes this design choice even worse. The outcome is that it greatly decreases the user experience.
...and thats it, it may seem like alot of work but if you dont waffle on and get straight to the point youll find that your critical evaluation practically writes itself, if you include examples this also helps but only if you include exactly what it is about the example that illustartes the point you are trying to make, and thats the difference between a merit and a distinction.
Interactive media Authoring
Interactive media authoring refers to the creation of interactive media. The process of authoring combines the use of creativity with interactive media authoring tools. When authoring interactive media the designer must define the target audience ,design the media content, organize the content and design the interaction with the viewer.
Interactive media authoring requires creative ideas and designing and organising media content such as sound, video and graphics to create interaction.
Interactive media authoring tools are the software used to create interactive media. The computer software or authoring tools are used to transform content and creative ideas into an interactive media product. An example of interactive media authoring tools are those included in designing a website, the author may use computer software such as Fireworks or Photoshop to create the graphics for that website, they may use Flash to create an animation for the website and Audacity to create sound. Dreamweaver may be used to organize the content, write the code and create interactivity for the website.
Interactive media authoring requires creative ideas and designing and organising media content such as sound, video and graphics to create interaction.
Interactive media authoring tools are the software used to create interactive media. The computer software or authoring tools are used to transform content and creative ideas into an interactive media product. An example of interactive media authoring tools are those included in designing a website, the author may use computer software such as Fireworks or Photoshop to create the graphics for that website, they may use Flash to create an animation for the website and Audacity to create sound. Dreamweaver may be used to organize the content, write the code and create interactivity for the website.
Really cool interactive website
When I was finishing off my unit 104-105 assignment, I stumbled upon a really cool interactive website.
Heres the link
This is worth looking at if only for entertainment purposes. The site basically lets you zoom into the scene more and more, there is a bar at the top of the page that lets you change the speed and direction (it also lets you zoom out)
This site is from The most Fascinating websites ever I dont know If all the examples are what I would call Fascinating (the official Jimmy Carey site would be good to look at for a bad example to critically evaluate) but its worth taking a look at.
This is worth looking at if only for entertainment purposes. The site basically lets you zoom into the scene more and more, there is a bar at the top of the page that lets you change the speed and direction (it also lets you zoom out)
This site is from The most Fascinating websites ever I dont know If all the examples are what I would call Fascinating (the official Jimmy Carey site would be good to look at for a bad example to critically evaluate) but its worth taking a look at.
Thursday, 21 April 2011
It all has to end... but its been an absolute pleasure
I am so close to finishing my national diploma now that its scary, then its off to uni to do that game art degree :s new start and all that, my college has grown on me I enjoy being there so much, if i could relive my college years again and again fo the rest of my life I would as its been an absolute pleasure.
There are a few small things I'll miss more than others.......
I will miss learning, not just the acedemic stuff but the lessons I have learned during my two years at college, the ones that have made me grow as a person.
I found some of my second year a struggle but going over the little work that I didnt complete Its all clear to me now, it has all clicked into place.
I have decided that over the summer if i am bored I am going to post all of my assignments onto this blog to help out anybody else that may need help, its horrible having nobodys work to look at and take inspiration from. espeically when your aiming for distinction.
I am still going to continue this blog because I believe that games still class as interactive media and will still be part of Victorias interactive media experience.
I will also continue it if i find employment after uni in the games industry.
There are a few small things I'll miss more than others.......
I will miss learning, not just the acedemic stuff but the lessons I have learned during my two years at college, the ones that have made me grow as a person.
I found some of my second year a struggle but going over the little work that I didnt complete Its all clear to me now, it has all clicked into place.
I have decided that over the summer if i am bored I am going to post all of my assignments onto this blog to help out anybody else that may need help, its horrible having nobodys work to look at and take inspiration from. espeically when your aiming for distinction.
I am still going to continue this blog because I believe that games still class as interactive media and will still be part of Victorias interactive media experience.
I will also continue it if i find employment after uni in the games industry.
Tuesday, 19 April 2011
Im nearly there
One of my college lecturers once said to me that "you cant be good at everything" I will be the first to admit that his comments fell on deaf ears.
It has taken me months to realise that he was in fact correct, you cannot, but you can give it a damn good try.
You cannot be good at everything but you can get good as long as you are willing to put the time and effort into reaching the level or place that you want to be.
A good example of this is my recent world skills web design project, a week before the deadline I did not have a clue how to actually make the site I had developed. I decided I was just no good at web design.
My personality being how it is I was determined to ditch my social life and spend all day and every day in college working on that website and hassling the hell out of my teachers when I was stuck so that I could hand it in to a standard that would be high.
Because of my perserverance My web design project was handed in on time and got roughly the same points from the world skills judges as the computer whizz's in my class.
This told me that If I could achieve the same marks as the outstanding students in my class at a subject I was rubbish at I could do absolutley anything.
and I went on to produce some of my best work for my final project.
It just goes to show that if you never give up and you always have FAITH in yourself you can achieve the impossible.
It has taken me months to realise that he was in fact correct, you cannot, but you can give it a damn good try.
You cannot be good at everything but you can get good as long as you are willing to put the time and effort into reaching the level or place that you want to be.
A good example of this is my recent world skills web design project, a week before the deadline I did not have a clue how to actually make the site I had developed. I decided I was just no good at web design.
My personality being how it is I was determined to ditch my social life and spend all day and every day in college working on that website and hassling the hell out of my teachers when I was stuck so that I could hand it in to a standard that would be high.
Because of my perserverance My web design project was handed in on time and got roughly the same points from the world skills judges as the computer whizz's in my class.
This told me that If I could achieve the same marks as the outstanding students in my class at a subject I was rubbish at I could do absolutley anything.
and I went on to produce some of my best work for my final project.
It just goes to show that if you never give up and you always have FAITH in yourself you can achieve the impossible.
Saturday, 16 April 2011
moral and paternal rights
Moral rights are to protect the reputation and personality of the authors.
The author of a work cannot be identified unless it is their wish and they give notice to those seeking to use or exploit the work.
The impact of moral and paternal rights within interactive media
An example of the impact of moral rights within the interactive media industry is when Gordon Ramsay slated the reputation of a TV presenter on television.
I found an online quote at
http://www.holymoly.com/news/gordon-ramsey-slated-ugly-old-pig-jibe13836.html#ixzz1FIrEk0MC
it stated
“Never one shy of making a statement, Gordon Ramsey is on full PR backtrack mode in Australia after calling one of the country's most esteemed journalists "An ugly, old pig, he also called her a lesbian"
This is a screen-shot from a video I found online of the incident when comments were made by Gordon Ramsey that may have damaged somebody's reputation. Gordon Ramsay gave a public apology on video also. If the person in question had not apologised for his actions he may have broken the moral and paternal rights law because what he said could effect the reputation of the person and he could have even been taken to court and prosecuted especially as the person he made the comments about was deeply offended.
I found a quote online at
http://www.holymoly.com/news/gordon-ramsey-slated-ugly-old-pig-jibe13836.html#ixzz1FIunP5M6
from the T.V presenter that backs up my opinion that she thought the comments could harm her reputation and that she may have taken legal action if Gordon had not apologised. I have highlighted the relevant info in red.
'Truly, I wonder how many people would laugh if they were effectively described as ‘an old ugly pig’. How is that funny exactly? And worse, it’s not even witty especially when it effects someone's reputation. Obviously Gordon thinks that any woman that doesn’t find him attractive must be gay. For the record, I don’t and I’m not. We’ve all seen how Gordon Ramsay treats his wife – and he supposedly loves her. If Gordon had not apologised I would have taken action against him, I have a reputation and I am willing to protect it at whatever cost"
The author of a work cannot be identified unless it is their wish and they give notice to those seeking to use or exploit the work.
The impact of moral and paternal rights within interactive media
An example of the impact of moral rights within the interactive media industry is when Gordon Ramsay slated the reputation of a TV presenter on television.
I found an online quote at
http://www.holymoly.com/news/gordon-ramsey-slated-ugly-old-pig-jibe13836.html#ixzz1FIrEk0MC
it stated
“Never one shy of making a statement, Gordon Ramsey is on full PR backtrack mode in Australia after calling one of the country's most esteemed journalists "An ugly, old pig, he also called her a lesbian"
This is a screen-shot from a video I found online of the incident when comments were made by Gordon Ramsey that may have damaged somebody's reputation. Gordon Ramsay gave a public apology on video also. If the person in question had not apologised for his actions he may have broken the moral and paternal rights law because what he said could effect the reputation of the person and he could have even been taken to court and prosecuted especially as the person he made the comments about was deeply offended.
I found a quote online at
http://www.holymoly.com/news/gordon-ramsey-slated-ugly-old-pig-jibe13836.html#ixzz1FIunP5M6
from the T.V presenter that backs up my opinion that she thought the comments could harm her reputation and that she may have taken legal action if Gordon had not apologised. I have highlighted the relevant info in red.
'Truly, I wonder how many people would laugh if they were effectively described as ‘an old ugly pig’. How is that funny exactly? And worse, it’s not even witty especially when it effects someone's reputation. Obviously Gordon thinks that any woman that doesn’t find him attractive must be gay. For the record, I don’t and I’m not. We’ve all seen how Gordon Ramsay treats his wife – and he supposedly loves her. If Gordon had not apologised I would have taken action against him, I have a reputation and I am willing to protect it at whatever cost"
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