Today's many forms of modern media and new technology greatly effect the new generation of tech-savvy users. In "Thinking With Type," by Ellen Lupton, the author states,"The impatience of the digital reader arises from culture, not from the essential character of display technologies. Users of Web sites have different expectations than users of print. They Expect to feel "productive," not contemplative. They expect to be in search mode, not processing mode" (Lupton, 74).
There is a great amount of validity in Lupton's observation of today's technologically-oriented society. Many interactive Websites are the more popular surfing venues to suit the every need of today's consumer. Many new sites provide a great amount of user interaction that help contributors from around the world to exchange knowledge, information, goods and services. One Website that demands the interaction and contribution of its users would be the vastly popular Match.com. The word mark used for this Website shows the casual nature that it takes on. By using all lower-case letters, it takes on a less formal and more friendly personality. Also, by the use of bold in the word 'match,' the eye is drawn to the main purpose of the sight.
When first arriving at the sight, it is obvious that its set-up has been created in a simplistic and clever way. The logo sits at the upper left-hand corner, and as many read left to right, the text leads the eye to a beautiful young woman laughing. This photo provides a point of identification with the girl who may be seeing it, or a point of attraction to the man who may be viewing it.
The Website immediately provides a pop-up bar for users, as they may be able to quickly type in their area code and be instantly connected to the virtual dating world. Instantly other people's profiles are shown, and it is organizedin a coherent way where users would be able to easily access tabs revealing success stories and tips for finding that special one.
The use of simplicity and cohesion make this Website an attractive place that beckons its users to continue to contribute to it.The need for human-computer interaction (HCI) that Lupton discusses in the second chapter is obvious and effective on this site.
Claire, good analysis and commentary. Would have liked to see more of the internal navigation to get a sense of where things are and how that helps users or hinders them.
ReplyDeleteKeep up the good work.
Cheers,
paul