What is Web 2.0?

Is it social networking, is it application of various technologies, or is it simply a marketing hype? Many people have different interpretations of what Web 2.0 really is. Tim O'Reilley, founder of O'Reilly Media, defined Web 2.0 at a conference in 2004,

"Web 2.0 is the business revolution in the computer industry caused by the move to the internet as a platform, and an attempt to understand the rules for success on that new platform."

However, Dario de Judicibus, IBM social-networking analyst, proposed a different opinion, he defined Web 2.0 to be:

"A knowledge-oriented environment where human interactions generate content that is published, managed and used through network applications in service oriented architecture."

This definition of Web 2.0 is closely linked to The Cluetrain Manifesto, which was one of the earliest discussions leading to Web 2.0. This Manifesto was published in 1999 and written by Christopher Locke, Rick Levine and, Doc Snearls and David Weinberger.

More recently, Web 2.0 can be described as a combination of the two above definitions. It is seen as the next generation of web applications where social interactions of the user are a primary focus. This transformation has given users more power and freedom than ever before. Unlike Web 1.0, this phase of development, allows users to actively take part in not only retrieving information but also transmitting and editing it themselves through online networks, thus making them both contributors and consumers. Thanks to Web 2.0, the web is now flourishing with creativity and user collaboration, ultimately leading to a more open approach to the internet.

Examples of Web 2.0

Some of the most widely recognised examples of Web 2.0 include:

Youtube - Allows users to upload, share and watch user-generated videos such as: TV Shows, Movies, Short Films, Animation, Interviews, Documentaries, Film Clips, Sport, Video Blogs etc.

Facebook - A free social-networking website which allows users to create a personal page, modify it, add friends, join groups, "tag" one another and share photos.

Ebay - An online shopping and auction website where users can buy and sell goods worldwide.

Interactive Design

Interactive design is essentially concerned with the experience between the individual and the product or service. One of its key concerns is to provide the user with an engaging and positive experience, minimising the learning curve and increasing accuracy and efficiency without diminishing usefulness. It also aims to reduce frustration and increase user productivity and satisfaction.

Interactive design today is influenced by two main concepts.

Interactive design as a design discipline
and

Interactive design as an extension of HCI

As a design discipline, design work involves developing an understanding the goal of the design work in parallel with an understanding of the space of possible solutions. As an extension of Human-computer Interaction (HCI), the main concern is to work together with the product or service to accomplish an aim/user's goal.

Examples of Interactive Design

Examples of some highly interactive websites include:

Sketch Swap - A great site showcasing the ability of Flash to provide an interactive experience on the web. Users draw whatever they like on the note book, then submit their drawing to watch someone else sketch something.

Rafael Nadal - Official website of World no.1 tennis player Rafael Nadal. An entertaining site that uses type and graphics to create an entertaining interactive navigational experience.

Polyvore - Is a unique easy-to-use web based application that allows users to mix and match outfits. Images are "clipped" from online store websites then dragged and dropped to create outfits. The "sets" can then be shared, viewed, commented on and favoured, users can also manage, join and judge competitions run by other users throughout the site. Each product in the set is linked to the online store where the image originated from, and from there users have an option of buying the item. It is part social networking and part designer's club, creating a haven for anyone interested in fashion.

Information Design/Instructional Design

According to Edward Tufte Information design should be more about the information rather than the artistic aspect of Information/Instructive design.

"Information graphics should draw the viewer (users) attention to the sense and substance of the data not to something else."

However, Saul Carliner, e-learning expert, believes that,

"Information design is the visual method of explaining and interpreting complex information and data to help the user achieve a particular objective."

More recently today, Information design/Instructional design involves a combination of visual aesthetics and practicality to present information in a clear and efficient way. Words and graphics are used together to communicate a message that is easy for the viewer to understand and follow. Good information/instructional designs are comprehensible, rapidly and accurately retrievable and easy to translate. They also allow people to navigate around three dimensional space easily and comfortably in both real and virtual contexts.

Examples of Information/Instructional Design

Some examples of Information/Instructional design include:

Road Signs - The most obvious example, which have a clear practical purpose enabling them to be easily read by anyone.

Promotional Posters - A form of instructional design, promotional posters clearly outline when and where events will be held.

The Cityrail Network Map - This is a map of the city of Sydney's railway lines. Navigational in nature, it shows its users every railway line and station in Sydney and is colour coded to ensure clarity.

Planning Tools for Interactive

Studio Task: How to make toast

1. Plug in toaster
2. Switch powerpoint on
3. Place bread in toaster
4. Set timer
5. Push lever down
6. Does bread go down?
7. Wait for bread
8. Is bread toasted enough?
9. Serve toast on plate

Storyboard

How to make toast storyboard

Mood Board

Johnny Smith

Johnny Smith is a 75-year-old retired carpenter who still enjoys hikes in national parks and ridding his Harley-Davidson. He looks forward to the local club raffle and a catch up with the boys on a Thursday evening. He also enjoys playing bingo, listening to local radio and watching old western movies with his wife Jill. As he gets older and has to visit the hospital more often, he prefers quick and efficient healthcare with simple, bold instructions and hospital signs. He aims to enjoy the rest of his life traveling a little and spending time with family especially his grandchildren.

- Location: Hobart
- Toaster Usage: Unfortunately Johnny has never used a fancy new electric toaster.
- Computer/Internet Usage: PC, occasionally browses the internet with the help of his grandchildren.
- Computer Skill: Novice user. Finds things too complicated on the computer to use. Has an email but doesn't know how to use it properly.