Naked Browser vs. Flex (kind of)

My previous blog entitled Appage (3 bonus points if you caught both puns) discusses the decline of the web browser and the increase in the use of applications. Today, I was introduced to a new software development kit known as Flex, an application created to develop and deliver rich internet content which is based on the Adobe Flash platform.

I was instructed to do a hands-on comparison of ebay with a traditional web browser versus a Flex application browser sidebar. I found this to be somewhat contradictory because a sidebar does not stand alone and function outside of a web browser. Through my understanding, Flex is capable of functioning by itself in place of a web browser, but what the hay, I'll put on my anti-argumentative goggles and compare the two. So now that I've got my goggles on, we're comparing apples to apples.

The web browser version of ebay is very user friendly and easy to navigate. I have no complaints with this user experience although the sidebar does have one clear advantage over the naked web browser. With the Flex based browser sidebar, the functionality and purpose are also very user friendly and obvious. It is very clear why it was developed for an auction and real-time based hub of commerce. It basically displays only the information that pertains to what you are potentially purchasing. In this case, the current price, how much time it will be in auction, and in some cases the ability to simply purchase the item for a firm price. This information if valuable to the user, and is easier to have viewable than to simply bookmark the pages in a browser. Also, seeing a pair of wire drum brushes I've been wanting to get is definitely tempting me to bid . . . I think it's a win-win situation for ebay.

Minimum + Maximum Hue

So first off, I decided to take a slightly different approach to finding motion graphic examples that have a strong use of colors. I found this video to be pretty inspiring as far as how much of a dramatic effect color can have on perception.

I really enjoyed this motion graphic because it showed the immense communicative capabilities of value. The entire video fits well with the tonality of the song, and it is very interesting and explores some cool concepts. It definitely leaves a lasting impression.

The second motion graphic I found was very intriguing, and used almost the entire visible color spectrum without looking like a kaleidoscope.

I found this video to be very interesting because it was obvious that it was showcasing many different things, yet it remained cohesive by sort of creating sections through the use of color, optical texture and design elements. It was also very interesting that, until the very end of the video, it seemed to be a random collection of motion graphics.

Analyzing Texts Blindfolded?

Imagine going into class to discuss and interpret an image being projected onto a white screen, but the projector has decided to burn up prior to when class is being held. Logically, this would lead the Professor to change gears and transfer to another topic. However, the Professor instead asks what you think about the image. Obviously, you cannot see the image due to the technical difficulties with the projector, so you simply stare at the screen. The Professor not only wants to know what the image looks like, but also asks you to interpret and analyze the image. Sorry, but your WWJD bracelet isn't transmitting any messages to your brain, so you must simply reply that you have no idea because you cannot see the image.

Basic logic and rationality is needed in order to interpret a text. Without any background information, it is not possible to classify an image as a star. You can see the shape, but you don't have language, therefore you don't have words, so it could only be interpreted as something to look at. The same logic applies to a classroom in which a particular subject matter is taught. You must have background information in order to make concise and educated interpretations.

It was important to spend a week study hermeneutics because it is essential to studying media. We must first have a foundation of knowledge and information in order to use the art and science of interpretation. Otherwise, we are simply analyzing a text, blindfolded.
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The Decline of Websites

One reason I believe smaller websites are at an extreme disadvantage, in terms of patronage, is because of a viewers past experiences. Inevitably, everyone has seen one of those amazing, mystical, glowing websites that could possibly induce vomiting or seizures. Please view example one:

 

It seems to me that many web "designers" simply forget the primary function of a website: to display information. If a viewer cannot discern where links and/or primary navigation are, they are more likely to simply leave the website than to continue searching. Many graphic designers can create amazing print design, but they often struggle when learning web design. usabilityfirst.com sums up my own personal beliefs and observations as to the root of this phenomenon. "While there is a surface similarity between print graphic design and website graphic design, website design is much closer to product or industrial design than print design." When practicing web design, the designer must balance usability and design in order to create a highly functional website that intrigues a viewer to browse around.

Appage?

First and foremost, "App" is an abbreviated form of the term application. Applications, in computer terminology, are basically a code created in order to fulfill a certain task, and they rely on an existing operating system and coding language. In short, apps can be used interchangeably with the term program in computer terminology.

Personally, I have always preferred the term program, but recently it has shifted in popularity a bit. Generally, program refers to something that runs on your computer, and app refers to something that runs on any other device. This is not very logical, as I have always thought of apps as what they are, applications, which are programs. But, apparently now thanks to multimedia capable cell phones, iPods, and iPads, among many others, it is much more amazing and hip to refer to them as apps. I feel this is simply because it sounds like a new and exciting term. Even the computer illiterate understand what a program is, but apps appear to be some new and mystical technology. Nevertheless, programs are applications, and applications are programs.

Now that this sleek and sexy application craze has taken root, basic web browsing on a computer is seeing a large decline. Arguments have also been made, with substance, that apps will eventually replace the web, but that they will, however, not destroy the amazing phenomenon we know as the internet. Here is yet another confusing use of computer terminology.

The internet is a connection of computers that link to servers which have the ability to exchange information globally. It is much easier to think of the internet as phone lines, or now with even more increases in technology, a cellphone tower. The internet is the hardware required to transfer the information. The web, however, is made up of servers that host the content accessed by the user, and usually many sites link to one another, hence the name web. The web is the content, and the internet is how the content is accessed.

Visiting the web has declined, but through the use of apps, the traffic on the internet has increased. This may seem puzzling at first, but basically, apps are generally not used without accessing the internet to update or retrieve information. With the exceptions of simple calculators and games, apps usually rely on retrieving information for the user to see.

I do not feel that the web will disappear, but I do find that many people are being mislead due to the terminology. It is hard to create profits from websites, however, if you can deliver someone the content they want no matter where they are, they will most likely take advantage of it. But how does this create profit and fund capitalism you ask? (hopefully) well, rather than waiting to get to a computer, wouldn't it be nice to be able to pull out your cellphone on the bus and see how your friends are doing? Maybe your bored and just want to read something to pass the time, entertainment is worth a couple dollars right? Well then jump on the bandwagon and stay connected 24/7! All the cool kids are doing it, and besides, you don't want to be a square now, do you kid?