Posts by Shiqi Liu

YouTube’s Ripple Effect: Culture, Tech, Politics, Planet, and Profits

From a social perspective, YouTube can promote global cultural exchange and integration. Users in different regions can learn about diverse cultural customs through video sharing and viewing. And make remote work and online education the norm. As a result, the boundaries between home and work are blurred, the development of social skills may be limited, mental health problems increase, and cultural conflicts decrease.

From a technological perspective, it promotes video technology innovation, widely uses big data and artificial intelligence, and expands new video interaction technologies (AR/VR). This will prompt the continuous updating of tools and improve advertising efficiency, but it will also cause users to worry about privacy violations. At the same time, it will also lead to an increase in technical patent disputes, so the industry needs to establish more complete technical standards and intellectual property protection mechanisms.

From a political perspective, it has become a new front for disseminating political information and public opinion guidance and can be used as a tool for citizens to supervise the government and political participation. At the same time, it will also face different political regulatory requirements in various countries. Secondary consequences: increased platform operating costs, increased risks of political rumors and false information dissemination, and improved government transparency and accountability.

From an environmental perspective, it consumes many electricity resources and promotes environmental awareness. However, it will produce carbon emissions and face ecological pressure, so it is necessary to invest in green data center technology. Video dissemination will drive more ecological protection actions and volunteer activities.

From an economic perspective, it will create a large number of economic benefits for creators, become an important global advertising platform, and drive the development of related industries. Secondary effect: changes the employment structure, but it may also lead to a widening income gap among creators. Let the advertising industry innovate, improve advertising effect evaluation and service quality, and increase employment opportunities.

Designing Trustworthy Interactions: Security, Quality, and User Support

Ensure user security and privacy:
When designing and developing interactive products, interaction designers should ensure the security and privacy of user data. They should avoid collecting unnecessary personal information, collect necessary information only when necessary, and strictly protect this information. At the same time, users should be clearly informed of how data is collected, used, and stored and how they can exercise their data rights.

Ensure product quality and user experience:
Ensure the quality and stability of the product and provide users with a smooth and easy-to-use experience. During the design process, focus on the product’s functionality to ensure that users can easily understand and operate it. At the same time, conduct user experience testing regularly, collect user feedback, and continuously optimize the product.

Provide effective user support and feedback mechanisms:
When users encounter problems when using AI-integrated products or services, designers should ensure that there are effective user support channels. This can include providing online help documents that detail how to use AI functions and answers to frequently asked questions. For example, for a smart home system, users may have questions about how to control the device through voice commands, and detailed help documents can guide them through the operation. You can also set up manual customer service channels so that users can get help from manual customer service on time when they encounter complex problems that AI cannot solve.
Feedback channels allow users to provide opinions on the performance, ethical issues, and other aspects of the AI ​​system. For example, in an intelligent translation application, users may find that the translation results are inaccurate or contain cultural biases. Through the feedback channel, they can inform the developer of these problems. User feedback should be processed and responded to on time. If users report that the AI ​​system has the risk of privacy leakage, the developer should immediately investigate and feedback on the investigation results and improvement measures to users to enhance their trust in the product.

 AI will be a super assistant to doctors

The automation and intelligence of AI will greatly improve production efficiency. The popularization of AI will also bring about changes in the occupational structure. Some traditional occupations may gradually disappear due to the replacement of AI, while new AI-related occupations will continue to emerge. What I am most interested in is the intelligent medical system. It can use AI technology to predict, diagnose and treat diseases, and improve medical standards and efficiency. There is a project in the museum that AI can quickly screen and diagnose cancer in the early stages. By analyzing medical imaging data (such as CT scans, MRI, X-rays, etc.), AI can automatically identify and mark abnormal areas in the image, such as tumors, vascular lesions, etc. This ability significantly improves the accuracy and efficiency of doctors’ diagnoses. AI can also perform image segmentation, accurately divide different tissues or lesion areas in medical images, and help doctors better observe and analyze. Although the museum only displays some intelligent medical systems. However, according to my investigation, AI can automatically analyze patients’ medical records and medical records, find key information, such as past medical history, family genetic history, etc., and provide doctors with comprehensive background information on patients. It can also analyze patients’ genomic data to identify potential genetic disease risks, such as hereditary diseases, abnormal drug metabolism, etc. Finally, AI can integrate information from multiple aspects such as medical images, medical records, and genomic analysis to provide doctors with a comprehensive view of patient information. AI will bring us a more convenient and personalized experience.

Follow the four steps of Pace Layers

Pace Layers impact the four main stages of interaction design.

1. Preliminary research and definition stage: Designers must pay close attention to user needs and the latest technology trends to ensure the design can keep up with the times. At this stage, designers will determine the product’s core functions and target users to lay the foundation for subsequent design work.

2. Design and development stage: Interaction designers must balance creating new things and maintaining consistency with existing user expectations. Pace Layers play a guiding role. For example, innovation while using gestures like sliding, such as the visual design of new sliding-based functions. In this way, users will not feel completely unfamiliar when interacting with the latest design. As the project progresses, designers can determine which parts of the design need to be updated more frequently based on different rhythm layers. Functions at a fast-changing level may require more iterative changes to keep up with the latest trends or user needs.

3. Testing and evaluation stage: Designers need to ensure that the core functions and structure of the product are stable and reliable to support subsequent updates and expansions. Verify the feasibility of the design and user experience through user testing to ensure that the product can meet the basic needs and expectations of users.

4. Deployment and maintenance phase: Once the product is released, designers need to pay close attention to user feedback and market trends to update and adjust the product on time. According to user needs and market changes, designers can regularly update the product’s differentiating elements to keep the product competitive and attractive.

From Star to Sidekick: How iPod & iPhone Redefined Tech Design

iPod and iPhone have changed our relationship with technology. iPod and iPhone are like our personal assistants, which can play music and videos and surf the Internet. They make us feel that technology is no longer something difficult to understand but has become super close, like a part of our lives. It feels like technology used to be a big star that we could only watch from afar, but now it is like our best friend who can accompany us anytime and anywhere.

How does this change affect the design of the products we usually use?

First, designers pay more attention to the user’s feelings. When they design products, they will consider: Is this convenient to use? Does it look good? Will users like it?

Second, users can interact with these products in many ways. Users could previously only type or click with the mouse. But now, users can touch the screen with their fingers and even control them with voice. Similar to playing games, users can operate in various ways.

Third, designers continue to innovate, making users feel that the products have become more enjoyable and interesting.


The final point is that you can now carry and use these products wherever you go. Similar to how we can connect our mobile phones to headphones for music listening and to computers for file transfer, we can also connect them to other devices.

From Web 2.0 to Today: The Evolution of Interaction and User Engagement

In Web 2.0, users are not only information receivers but also information producers, which means that data flow is bidirectional.

The interaction required by Web 2.0:

1. Web 2.0 encourages users to create and share content, such as blogs, videos, photos, etc., which significantly improves user participation and interactivity.

2. Web 2.0 supports the development of social media and online communities where users can share information, exchange opinions, and interact. This model based on user-contributed content and social interaction greatly enhances the attractiveness and stickiness of the website.

3. Asynchronous JavaScript and XML is one of the core technologies in Web 2.0, which enables Web pages to update content without refreshing, thereby providing a smoother user experience.

4. Representational State Transfer provides a standardized way to access Web services and supports data interaction and sharing. This promotes data exchange and integration between different network applications.

Differences from today’s internet:


1. Dynamic vs. static: During the Web 2.0 era, websites enhanced their interactive capabilities, enabling users to share and interact with content. Today’s internet has further developed on this foundation, introducing more advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and big data, making websites and services more intelligent and personalized.

2. User Engagement: Although Web 2.0 has significantly increased user engagement, today’s internet has further lowered the barriers to content creation through platforms like social media and short videos, enabling more users to participate in content creation and sharing.

3. Data Security and Privacy Protection: As users increasingly prioritize data security and privacy protection, today’s internet places greater emphasis on compliance and security in data processing and storage.

4. Personalization Settings: Users can customize the platform’s interface and features and push content according to their preferences and needs. For example, in some news and information apps, users can choose news channels they are interested in to receive information updates that better meet their needs.

5. VR and AR: These technologies, such as virtual meetings and augmented reality games, provide users with a completely new immersive experience.

Design Systems and interaction Patterns: Accelerators or obstacles to creativity?

Design systems and interaction design patterns usually do not kill creativity but can provide valuable guidance and foundation for interaction design. A design system comprises organized and standardized design guidelines, component libraries, patterns and principles, etc. It can improve the efficiency and consistency of design and ensure that the product maintains a unified style and user experience in different parts and scenarios.

Interaction design patterns are general solutions to common design problems that have been tested and optimized in practice. Designers can use the existing knowledge and experience in design systems and interaction design patterns to quickly build a basic framework for design, saving time and energy. At the same time, these patterns and systems are not rigid and unchanging. They provide a starting point for designers. Designers still need to innovate and personalize designs based on specific project requirements, target users, and situations.

Web Design to UX: Technology and Demand for two-wheel drive

On one hand, high-quality templates, ready-made design patterns, automation, and artificial intelligence have limited Web design growth. For example, many websites run on different frameworks or services, and many free or paid templates give users quick access to professional-looking designs. This lessens the necessity for specialized web designs. Moreover, Web design innovation has become more challenging due to the well-developed nature of existing user interface elements, which may make further changes seem unnecessary or harmful. Automated Web design tools, which use AI, can sometimes produce better designs than a regular Web designer.

On the other hand, user needs and experience have become more important. Web pages are no longer the main focus of internet experiences; they are now part of a bigger digital product and system. Designers must focus on user research and usability testing, considering the full experience of the product—how people interact with it, its usefulness, and if it creates an emotional connection. User experience (UX) design is user-centered and covers psychology, interaction design, and graphic design. It aims to enrich the overall experience, not just the Web page itself.

Key Roles in Driving Technological Innovation: Government, Business, and Open Source

Indeed, the US government, particularly the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), supported and funded the development of the Internet. This support promoted the development of ARPANET, which became the predecessor of the modern Internet.

There is no single answer to the question of who should be responsible for inventing new technologies because technological innovation usually requires the cooperation of multiple parties. Governments, enterprises, and open-source communities each play different roles in this process.

Government: Governments often promote the development of technology by funding basic research, especially in the early stages when commercial returns are not clear. The government can also formulate policies to create an environment conducive to innovation, such as intellectual property protection, tax incentives, etc.
Enterprises: Enterprises usually focus on turning basic research into actual products and services and seek commercialization opportunities. They invest in R&D to promote technological progress and realize profits in the market.
Open source community: Open source projects allow developers around the world to collaborate on the development of software and technology, which promotes rapid iteration and technology sharing. The open source model expedites innovation and guarantees the widespread dissemination of technology.

The most ideal cooperative relationship should be mutually beneficial and efficient among the government, enterprises, and open source communities. The key elements include the following: the government should fund basic research, establish a friendly policy framework, invest in education and infrastructure construction, and protect intellectual property rights; enterprises should conduct applied research and development, promote technology commercialization, assume social responsibility, actively cooperate, and be open; and open source communities can provide a collaborative platform, accelerate technology iteration, reduce costs, and ensure quality. Overall, the three parties will achieve resource sharing, talent flow, convenient market access, and the formulation of common standards. This multi-faceted cooperation can not only promote the rapid development of technology but also allow the benefits of technological progress to benefit all levels of society.

The Evolution of GUIs: Simpler, Smarter, and More Connected

Changes:

Visual Look:

  • Improved Resolution and Colors: In the past, computer screens lacked clarity and offered limited color options. Now, we have really clear screens with lots of bright colors. We can see high-quality pictures, videos, and cool graphics on our screens.
  • Simpler Design: The old GUIs used to appear quite busy, with 3D-like icons and an abundance of details. Now, the trend is to have a flatter and simpler design. It’s easier to look at and doesn’t distract us as much.

How We Interact:

  • Multiple Input Methods: Initially, we utilized a keyboard and mouse to operate the computer. Now, touch screens are everywhere, especially on mobile phones and some laptops. We can also use gestures like swiping, pinching, and rotating to do things on the screen. Additionally, using voice commands to communicate with the device is becoming increasingly popular.
  • Better at Doing Many Things at Once: The old computer systems could do a few things at the same time, but not very well. Now, modern GUIs let us easily switch between different apps, move and arrange windows in different ways (like making them fit on different parts of the screen), and even have multiple desktops for different kinds of work or fun.

Connecting and working with other stuff:

  • Today’s GUIs have a strong connection to the internet. Apps can get online info, keep our data the same on different devices, and give us real-time news. Cloud storage (where we can save our stuff online) and cloud computing are now a big part of how we use our computers. We can get to our files and apps from anywhere if we have an internet connection.
  • Working with Other Devices: Today’s GUIs are highly compatible with a wide variety of devices, including smartphones, tablets, smartwatches, and smart home gadgets. We can control and use all these different devices with one interface, which makes our digital world feel more together.

What’s Stayed the Same:

  • Desktop Idea: We still perceive our computer screen as a virtual desk, complete with folders, files, and icons, each symbolizing distinct functions. We can still organize our digital items similarly to how we would on a physical desk, such as organizing files into folders, moving and copying files, and initiating apps by clicking on their icons.
  • System Setup and Basic Layout: We organize our computer files in a hierarchical file system, set up menus and toolbars with slight variations, and maintain a largely unchanged basic window setup for running apps. This gives us a familiar feeling when we use different operating systems.

What Could Be Better?

  • Enhancing the usability of GUIs for individuals with disabilities has led to improvements, yet there is still room for improvement. Some people might have a difficult time using a mouse or touchscreen because of a problem with their body, or they might have trouble seeing or hearing. We need to make voice recognition work better, give people more ways to change the interface to fit their needs, and make sure all apps and websites are simple for everyone to use.
  • Letting Us Make It Our Own: We all like different things, but current GUIs don’t always let us change them enough to fit our own tastes. We need more ways to customize the interface, like putting icons and menus where we want them, choosing different colors or themes, and setting up our own shortcuts and gestures.
  • Keeping Our Stuff Safe and Private: As GUIs become more connected to the internet and other services, it’s critical to protect our data and maintain our privacy. We require enhanced security measures such as improved encryption, better authentication methods, and more transparent privacy policies. We should also have better data control and better visibility into usage.
  • Making it Smarter: As artificial intelligence and machine learning improve, there’s a chance to make GUIs smarter and more aware of what we’re doing. For example, the interface could change to fit our habits and likes, give us useful suggestions and shortcuts, and guess what we’re going to do next, which would make using it more fun and efficient.

Lucy Suchman’s Impact on HCI: Embedding Technology in Social Contexts

Lucy Suchman, a cultural anthropologist and researcher, has significantly influenced the field of human-computer interaction (HCI) and the way we understand how technology fits into people’s lives. Her work has shifted the perspective from viewing technology as a neutral tool to recognizing it as deeply embedded within social and cultural contexts. Here’s how her contributions have impacted our understanding:

1. Contextual Design: Suchman emphasizes that human-computer interaction occurs in a specific context. Dynamic interactions with the material and social world constantly construct and reconstruct human behavior.

2. Challenging simplistic usability concepts: She witnessed the shortcomings of systems that didn’t fit into existing workflows at Xerox PARC. This made her challenge the traditional, simplistic notions of usability. The effectiveness of technology depends on how well it integrates into users’ real-world contexts and workflows, she demonstrated.

3. User-Centered Design: Suchman’s critique led to a greater emphasis on user-centered design practices. Instead of designing technology based solely on functional specifications, designers began to focus more on the needs, behaviors, and contexts of actual users. This shift encouraged designers to involve users in the design process to ensure that the technology is usable and useful in real-world situations.

4. Social and Cultural Dimensions: Suchman emphasized that people use technology not in isolation, but rather within a broader social and cultural framework. This insight has enhanced our comprehension of how to seamlessly integrate technologies into people’s everyday practices and interactions.

5. Interaction and Collaboration: Her work also underscored the collaborative nature of many tasks, showing that technology should support group activities and interactions. This has implications for designing systems that facilitate communication and collaboration among users.

Exploring AI and Art: ‘Assembling Intelligence’ Debuts in the U.S.

The exhibition “Assembling Intelligence: Hybrid Strategies for AI, Art, and Design” is the intersection of art and artificial intelligence. Organized by HEAD-GGenève in collaboration with Swissnex San Francisco, it showcases research projects and artworks by faculty and students from the university, aiming to expand the boundaries of understanding and creativity in art. This is the inaugural exhibition of these projects and works in the United States. Denizay Apusoglu and Jonas Kissling’s project, Tectonic Dusts, piques my interest greatly. The project focuses on converting waste generated during stone mining into valuable materials. This initiative highlights the potential value of industrial byproducts. The Swiss Design Award shortlisted this project in the Product Design category.

The Xerox Star: Pioneering User Interfaces and Network Collaboration

The Xerox Star’s network function is critical to the development of modern computer networks! It was an early computer that supported network functions. It introduced the concept of computer network connectivity, enabling resource sharing and collaborative work. It laid the foundation for the concept of a modern computer network office and allowed us to see the powerful potential of multiple computer interconnections. Its network function also inspired later computer manufacturers and developers to continue to explore and improve network technology. At that time, many computers were running independently. The Xerox Star was like a beacon, illuminating the way for the development of computer networks and providing important concepts and technical inspiration for modern efficient, convenient, and interconnected computer network systems.

The Xerox Star changed the direction of computing in two ways

1. User interface innovations:
The Xerox Star uses a cool new interface with windows, icons, menus, and a mouse. This eliminates the need to remember a bunch of complicated commands and allows you to just click on icons and drag windows. This is especially useful for people who don’t understand technology because they no longer have to worry about complicated command lines. This new interface makes computers easier to use, not just for technical people but for everyone. In the past, many people found computers difficult to use, but now with a mouse, everyone can use them.

2. Networking and collaboration:
It was one of the earliest computers that could be connected to the Internet, allowing several people to share files, printers, and other things, making it easier for everyone to work together in the office. With this function, it is like using computers today to work on projects together in different places. The Xerox Star was a good start, making computer networking and teamwork more and more common.

Douglas Engelbart’s 1968 Demo: Transforming Human-Computer Interaction

The presentation by Douglas Engelbart and the Stanford Research Institute (SRI) team is important for several reasons:

1. Showcasing technological breakthroughs:

  • Computer mouse: Engelbart invented the computer mouse in the early 1960s. With the mouse, we can easily click and drag objects on the screen.
  • Hypertext: Engelbart also demonstrated a way to organize information through links, later the core of the World Wide Web—hyperlinks. Clicking on text can jump to other pages, which is very convenient.
  • Video conferencing: They demonstrated video conferencing technology, which allows people to communicate in real-time in different places. This technology is now crucial in business, education, and personal communications.
  • Real-time collaborative editing: The demonstration showed the ability of multiple users to edit a document simultaneously in real-time. Offices and educational institutions widely use various collaborative software and platforms due to this feature, which is essential for collaborative work.

2. Impact on human-computer interaction:

While the 1968 demonstration did not show an entire graphical user interface, it included the idea that users could operate a computer system through simple icons and commands. Before this, most computer interfaces were text-based and required users to have a high level of technical knowledge to operate. The concept of an interactive GUI, where users could click on icons and menus with a mouse, made computing more accessible to many users and paved the way for the personal computer revolution. This concept was later implemented in Apple’s Lisa and Macintosh computers and gradually spread to other operating systems.

3. Human-Computer Interaction (HCI)：

He emphasizes HCI design, which improves computer usability and efficiency. Engelbart believes that technology should enhance human problem-solving abilities, not add barriers. Therefore, he develops systems to enable users to perform complex tasks more efficiently.

4. Inspiration for Future Innovation:

The technology that Engelbart demonstrated profoundly influenced the computer industry. Companies like Apple, Microsoft, and Xerox were inspired to apply their ideas to their products. For example, Apple’s Macintosh computer used a graphical user interface, part of Engelbart’s vision. It also laid the foundation for the development of the Internet. The ideas of networked computers and shared information that Engelbart demonstrated inspired subsequent research and eventually formed the global network we use today.

5. Shift in computing paradigm：

Engelbart promoted a change in computing from the traditional model to a new approach focusing more on user experience and collaboration. It emphasized the importance of people in computing and promoted the development of user-friendly interfaces and application software. Not only did he directly influence technology development at the time, but his influence continues to this day. From the way we browse the web to the use of collaboration tools, Engelbart’s ideas are everywhere.

Lessons from Feifei Li: Perseverance, Interdisciplinary Thinking, and Social Responsibility in Interaction Design

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I was deeply touched by Feifei Li’s sharing of her AI journey. Her experience demonstrates the spirit of perseverance and the persistent pursuit of knowledge. From her story, I learned the following points:

  1. Perseverance and Courage: You cannot give up easily when facing difficulties and challenges. On the road to interaction design, you will also encounter various problems and must have enough courage and perseverance to overcome them.
  2. Interdisciplinary thinking: Feifei Li’s research involves a variety of fields, such as computer science, artificial intelligence, and neuroscience. This reminds me that in interaction design, I can’t limit myself to a single subject knowledge but actively draw on the results of other fields to broaden my horizons and cultivate interdisciplinary thinking ability.
  3. Social responsibility: Feifei Li is committed to promoting technology development and is concerned about its impact on society. She emphasizes that AI should serve human beings and solve problems in the real world. As an interaction designer, I should also thoroughly consider the needs of users and the interests of society when designing medical apps to improve the quality and efficiency of medical services.

Implications for IXD practice:

  1. Innovative Design Ideas: Feifei Li’s AI journey has shown me the great potential of AI in the medical field. When designing medical APPs, I can consider introducing AI technologies, such as intelligent diagnosis and personalized treatment suggestions, to provide users with more convenient and efficient medical services. The image recognition technology of AI can also be utilized to help users quickly identify drug packages or symptom manifestations and provide preliminary diagnostic advice. For example, if the user takes a picture of the drug label, the APP automatically recognizes the drug information and gives medication reminders.
  2. User Experience Optimization: After learning Feifei Li’s thoughts on the relationship between technology and human beings, I will pay more attention to optimizing user experience. When designing medical apps, we should fully consider users’ needs and psychology, design simple and clear interfaces, provide easy-to-operate functions, and make users feel cared for and supported in the process of using.
  3. Teamwork and communication: The success of Feifei Li must be connected to teamwork. I must also communicate and cooperate with developers, doctors, patients, and other parties in the interaction design project. This viewing made me realize the importance of teamwork, and I will try to improve my communication and teamwork skills.

Key Design Principles: Gestalt Psychology, Fitts’ Law, and the Vision of Memex

“Gestalt Principles”- PART 1 – pp 96 – 97
Introduces the main principles of Proximity, Similarity, Continuity, Closure, and Symmetry in Gestalt psychology. Explains how these principles affect people’s perception and organization of visual information.
Proximity:
Place related elements closer together to indicate that they belong to the same group or have the same function. For example, group navigation buttons together so that users can intuitively recognize that they are used for page navigation.
Similarity:
Use the same color, shape, size, or font to represent elements with similar functions or attributes. For example, essential operation buttons should be marked with the same color in the software interface so that users can quickly identify and distinguish different types of operations.
Elements in different states can be distinguished by similarity. For example, various colors or styles can represent selected and unselected items. Still, they should maintain a certain similarity so that users can understand their relationship.
Continuity:
Use the principle of continuity to guide the user’s eyes. For example, continuous lines or shapes can be used to connect related elements so that the user’s eyes can naturally follow the lines and understand the overall layout and structure of the design.
In web design, continuous layout and navigation elements can be used to guide users smoothly between pages. For example, a continuous menu bar or breadcrumb navigation allows users to clearly know where they are in the website and where they can go.
Closure:
Use the principle of closure to create concise and expressive graphics. In interface design, only a part of the progress bar is displayed, and users can infer the overall progress based on that part.
Symmetry:
Designing a symmetrical layout can give people a sense of stability and harmony. In fields such as web and APP design, symmetrical layouts can be used to attract users’ attention and convey a professional and orderly impression. For example, important information or action buttons can be placed symmetrically on both sides of the interface so that users can find and use them more easily.

“Fitts Law” – PART 1 – pp 98 – 107
Mainly describes the principles and formulas of Fitts’ Law. Explains the relationship between the time required to move to a target and the distance and size of the target. The application of Fitts’s Law in human-computer interaction, such as mouse operation, touch screen interaction, etc., is analyzed through experimental data and actual cases. According to Fitts’s Law, the user interface design is optimized to improve the efficiency and accuracy of user operation. The user’s operation time and error rate are reduced in specific designs. For example, essential buttons are designed to be more significant and close to the user’s operation area.

“As We May Think, Foreseeing the Future, On the Trail of the Memex”- PART 1 – pp. 70 – 95
The concept and function of “Memex” (an imaginary information storage and retrieval device) are introduced. People can draw inspiration from the idea of “Memex” to obtain personalized information storage and retrieval and associative information organization. In interaction design, users can customize interface layout, information screening conditions, etc., through user portraits and personalized settings to improve the efficiency and accuracy of information retrieval.

Terry Winograd: User-Centered Design and HCI’s Future

In the video “A Discussion with Professor Terry Winograd of Stanford,” Professor Terry Winograd shares his research experience in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) and his insights into the future of technology.

Professor Winograd emphasized the importance of user-centered design. He pointed out that understanding the user’s needs is crucial before designing any product. This fits well with what we learned in our Human-Computer Interaction course: always prioritizing the user experience.

The professor also discussed the advancements in Natural Language Processing (NLP) and its application in HCI. This made me excited about the future direction of interaction design as well. Interaction design will face more opportunities and challenges with the continuous development of artificial intelligence, virtual reality, augmented reality, and other technologies. We need to actively explore the application of these new technologies in interaction design to create a richer and more immersive interaction experience for users.

Prof. Winograd’s arguments made me reflect on some of my problems in design and the direction of my learning. I have often focused too much on visual design and interaction patterns in my studies and neglected the impact of design on the whole social ecosystem; Prof. Winograd reminded me that we are designing a product or service for users and a new way of life or interaction. At the same time, I started to think about the social responsibility of design, and Prof. Winograd’s point of view made me realize that interaction design is not just about providing users with an easy interface but also about solving real social problems and making design have a positive impact on society.

Pioneers of User-Centered Design

Ada Lovelace and Lillian Gilbreth created a foundation for the development of modern design and technology. They also had a profound impact on user experience and human-computer interaction.

Ada Lovelace as the first programmer, not only translated Charles Babbage’s 19th-century machine’s operation but also added her annotations. She included an important algorithm, which is considered the first computer program. This algorithm demonstrated that the machine could process not only numbers but also symbols and logic, i.e., any form of data. This algorithm showed the possibility of the future of computers and played an important role in the subsequent development of computer science.

Lillian Gilbreth is an industrial psychologist. She emphasized the importance of human factors in design. Thus, she gave a principle to user interface design, focusing on user needs, comfort, and efficiency.

Significance to IXD:

  1. Both women exemplify the concept of user-centered design. Both Lovelace’s vision of the potential uses of computers and Gilbreth’s ergonomics study emphasize understanding the end user’s needs and behaviors. This fits well with one of IXD’s core characteristics, User-Centered Design (UCD).
  2. Their work spans various disciplines, from mathematics and engineering to psychology and sociology. This interdisciplinary approach is one of the core features of IXD, the Multidisciplinary Approach, and this fusion of multiple disciplines makes for a more holistic and in-depth approach to design.

Understanding Ada Lovelace and Lillian Gilbreth not only helps us understand the origin and development of IXD, but also emphasizes the importance of considering human factors in the design process, which is crucial to creating more humane and efficient interactive experiences.

Camera Icon VS Eye symbol

Mobile App Icons: Camera Icon

Icon Description: An icon is usually a simplified graphic of a lens in a rectangular box, sometimes with a small dot of a shutter button. This icon expresses the function of “taking a photo” or “photography.”

Message: The camera icon conveys a simple and clear message to users. Clicking this icon opens the camera app, and users can take a photo or record a video.

Concepts to learn: Users do not need to learn unique concepts to understand the meaning of the camera icon because its design is based on the simplified appearance of a real-life camera.

Egyptian hieroglyphics： Eye symbol (𓂀)

Symbol Description: In Egyptian hieroglyphics, the most famous Eye symbol (𓂀) variant is the Eye of Horus, also known as Wadjet. The symbol is usually represented as an eye with a curved line next to it, symbolizing tears.

Message: In ancient Egyptian culture, the Eye of Horus represented protection, healing, restoration, and perfection. It is often considered a talisman that protects the wearer from evil forces. The eye is often endowed with the power of observation and insight, and it is seen as a symbol of wisdom and insight.

Concepts to learn: Understanding the meaning of the Eye of Horus requires understanding ancient Egyptian mythology and the related historical context. Horus was a vital deity whose eye was lost and repaired in a battle with Set; thus, the symbol symbolizes healing and rebirth.

Comparison & Contrast

Form: Both the camera icon and the Eye of Horus are highly visual symbols, but the camera icon is more modern and abstract, while the Eye of Horus is full of cultural symbolism.

Purpose: The camera icon is functional, while the Eye of Horus is a symbolic symbol used as an amulet or decoration.

Message conveyed: The camera icon instructs users to take a photo or open the camera application. The Eye of Horus conveys vision and insight as well as spiritual or supernatural protection and blessing.

Cultural background: The design of the camera icon is based on the needs of modern society and technological progress. At the same time, the Eye of Horus is rooted in ancient Egypt’s religious and cultural traditions.

Ease of use: The camera icon is intuitive and can be understood without explanation. At the same time, the meaning of the Eye of Horus requires knowledge of a particular cultural background to fully understand.