Interactive Design Blog Site

Web 2.0 - The Evolution of WWW

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Web 2.0 is the next stage in the evolution of The World Wide Web. It encompasses the transition made, say, for example, from Britannica Online to Wikipedia. Previously Britannica Online (Web 1.0), provided a wealth of information that was non-interactive, meaning users could not ad to the information or provide additional view points. On the contrary, Wikipedia (2.0), allows users to upload information written by not only the primary author, but also enables readers to edit and ad to the data.

Web 2.0 revolutionized the way we use the internet. It goes that one step further and facilitates ingenuity, sharing of information, as well as allowing users to work together.

However, with any revolutionary system, it comes hand in hand with its own set of advantages and disadvantages.

More examples of Web 2.0 in practice include;

- (Web 1.0) ---> (Web 2.0)
- NetScape ---> Google
- mp3.com ---> Poisoned (a free p2p file sharing program)
- Akamai ---> BitTorrent
- personal website ---> blogging (www.blogger.com)

Interactive Design

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This field deals with products, services or systems and the design of how the user interacts with them. The area in which this deals, but is not only limited to, is that of electronic devices.

The aims of Interactive Design are to simplify the use of new technologies without impeding on its usefulness or effectiveness. In doing so, streamlining the technology, removing any frustrations and increasing its user friendliness.

Here are a few web design examples;

- www.nudiejeans.com
- www.mininova.org
- www.google.com
- www.facebook.com

Information/Instructional Design

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Informational/Instructional Design deals with the effective communication of informational media and content. Its ultimate purpose is to the aid the user's transition from their current state of knowledge to that of an informed state.

The term also describes the forms in which information is arranged so that it can be used by others in a proficient manner.

Its application to graphic design conforms with the idea that information must not be shown purely with aesthetics in mind but also with the purpose of getting the information the across to the user.

Examples;

The CityRail Map below. Shows the user the effective train line routes to aid one in getting from one station to another.

About This Blog

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Ultimately this blog aims to be an online document for the unit of Interactive Design 1. It is designed to provide an experience in the creation of an online presence. In addition this blog aims to give a platform for the discussion of various design issues and ideas. This will be accomplished by regular blog updates accompanied by creating a visually aesthetic blog structure. Finally this blog aims to discuss the assigned design topic headings.

About Me

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I am currently in the middle of completing a Bachelor in Design (Visual Communication) at the University of Western Sydney. I graduated secondary school in 2005 at St. Patrick's Marist College Dundas. I am particularly interested in the field of print media and in the future hope to develop my skills further in this area. In order to gain valuable experience I am actively seeking work through applying for volunteering positions and internships.

Links

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1) PRINT Magazine

http://www.printmag.com

According to their website, PRINTMAG, "is a bimonthly magazine about visual culture and design. Covering a field as broad as communication itself, PRINT documents and critiques commercial, social, and environmental design from every angle"

2) Monster Children

http://www.monsterchildren.com

Monster children is a print magazine dedicated to displaying design artworks, fashion and technology

3) MCA | Museum of Contemporary Art

http://www.mca.com.au/

The Official Website of the Museum of Contemporary Art located at The Rocks, this museum regularly

4) Communication Arts

http://www.commarts.com/

Graphic designer resource. Excellent galler, great articles and a graphic designer specific forums.

5) Art & Design Resource Guide

http://www.dgdesignnetwork.com.au/aderg/

According to their website, "The Art & Design Education Resource Guide (ADERG) is the standard reference for courses offered in art and design at tertiary institutions in Australia and New Zealand. Commenced in 1983, ADERG is a Directory of courses, a showcase of graduate work and a selection guide for those wishing to undertake a course of study."

6) HOW Design

http://www.howdesign.com/

As taken from their website, "HOW magazine’s goal is to help designers, whether they work for a design firm, for an in-house design department or for themselves, run successful, creative, profitable studios."

7) nonapplicable

http://www.nonapplicable.com/

A website experimenting with the capabilities of flash and 3d interfaces. Also deals with experimental typography

8) PRESSTUBE

http://www.presstube.com

A graphic/web/programming site. Includes a lot of interactive activities. Requires the user to explore and play.