Smartphones: The Ultimate Resource (Article Review #5)

Article Title
"Cell Phones Becomin The Go-To Device for Online Activities, Banking and More"

Article Author

Lorenzo Franceschi-Bicchierai

Article Publication Date

November 26, 2012

URL of Original Article

http://mashable.com/2012/11/26/cell-phones-becoming-the-go-to-device-for-online-activities-banking-and-more-study/

Article Summary

This article highlights the immense growth in smartphone usage as well as the dependancy of Americans. The article uses results from studies conducted this year compared to results from 2007-2008.

Relevance to the Class

It is important to note the dependency of our audience on mobile devices in order for us to understand their usability habits as well as the devices we must design and develop for. 

Key Quote

"One in two people now check their email on their phone, up from 19% in 2007 and the number of Americans surfing the web on-the-go has doubled too, going from 25% in 2008 to 56% today. "

Computer Conversations (Article Review #3)

Article Title

"How Do Computers Talk to Each Other on the Internet?"

Article Author

Christina Warren

Article Publication Date

October 17, 2012

URL of Original Article

http://mashable.com/2012/10/17/tcpip-faq/

Article Summary

This article summarizes the TCP/IP protocol. It gives a quick simple explanation, however I don't think thte average person will understand some of the jargon. 

Relevance to the Class

It is important to understand how the internet and web work. Networks are an important part of how we design websites and understanding our audience.

Key Quote

"For instance, your web browser talks to network software using TCP. IP is the communication that takes place between computers. So IP is what sends packets between computer. It can also route packets to a correct destination. "

Reading Assignment #1

1. What do Goto and Cotler think are some important things to identify when assessing audience capabilities? Are there examples you would add given changes in the industry since the book was published in 2005? Goto and Cotler think that screen size, screen resolution, internet speed and plug-in software are most important to identify audience capabilities. I believe this is still true especially with the rise of smartphones. If a function doesn't work where they view the site, they may be discouraged and leave.
2. What is scope creep? When a project turns into a nightmare because the client doesn't do his end so you end up doing even more work because he decides to add or delete parts of the project.
3. What software application do the authors recommend using for project management? Why do they recommend using a different application to deliver project management information to a client? Microsoft Project because it can change the entire timeline if one thing is late and you can handle multiple timelines.
4. There's a proofreading error in the sidebar titled "Project Management Applications"—what is it? (Google may help you here.) "Gant chart" should be "Gantt chart.
5. According to the authors, can usability testing be conducted using an online survey? Why or why not? According to the authors, usability testing cannot be done through online survey's because it has a to be one-on-one so a user can be watched by a moderator. An online survey simply gives feedback on which pages people click on the most, not usabilty.

Develop and Design for the Dual-Screen (Article Review #2)

Article Title
"Apple TV and AirPlay Fuel Rise of Dual-Screen Apps"
Article Author
Jeremy Allaire

Article Publication Date
October 9, 2012

URL of Original Article
http://mashable.com/2012/10/09/dual-screen-apps/

Article Summary
The next big thing might be apps which can connect to the tv screen while using your phone or tablet as a remote to control what's happening on the tv screen. Allows for more group interaction.

Relevance to the Class
Dual screen apps would mean more reconstruction in order to fit on a tv screen. How will the interactivity affect how websites are structured? Will it push more simplicity on the web?

Key Quote
"Web and app designers and developers need to imagine a world where the tablet and TV are a single run-time for their applications which each screen providing distinct value for the user controlling the app and the user consuming rich media and information on a large display."

New iPad Mini, New Size to Design For (Source Comparison #1)

Article 1

"The iPad Mini: Smaller size and price appeal in the enterprise?"

September 10, 2012

http://www.techrepublic.com/blog/tablets/the-ipad-mini-smaller-size-and-price-appeal-in-the-enterprise/2271

Article 2

"Designing for Multiple Screen Sizes Is About Consistency"
September 20, 2012
http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/09/20/designing-for-multiple-screens-is-about-consistency/


Article 3

"Twitter Updates Its Apps, Including For the iPad"
September 18, 2012
http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/09/18/twitter-updates-its-apps-including-the-ipad/

Notes

• Articles touch up on rumors that a smaller sized iPad is under development
• Relevant to class because it's one more size a web designer has to worry about designing for.
• #1 mentions a new importance to designers and developers, #3 highlights an example
• #2 is most general, #1 is less about designing and focused on the device
• If #1 occurs, will it mean more people will buy the smaller size than the big size?
• Consistency among devices means more planning according to #2 and it's the most important characteristic according to #3 and #2
• #3 is an example of a company who needed to update in order to maintain consistency among platforms and devices
• All articles highlight Apple devices, stating competition between other tablet and smartphone companies

"The Art of Web Design"

Just Another Notch on Google's Bedpost (Article Review #1)

Article Title
"Google Just Bought Its Own Instagram"

Article Author
Sarah Mitroff

Article Publication Date
September 17, 2012

URL of Original Article
http://www.wired.com/business/2012/09/google-just-bought-its-own-instagram/

Article Summary
Always eager to jump onto the "hottest" thing on the web, Google has now acquired Snapspeed a photo editing software similar, yet more advanced, to Instagram which it's rival Facebook has acquired earlier this year.

Relevance to the Class
Google is the most popular search engine and the expansion of their branches are good indicators of what's next. If people migrate to another social platform, they will be accustomed to it's usability which will change expectations of where things are when they visit sites.

Key Quote
"That said, Google is pouring cash into its widening battle with Facebook, adding more features to its still-scrappy (but growing) social network Google+. Snapseed is just the latest weapon in Google’s fight to lure Facebook users over to its side."