Archive for the ‘technology’ Category

Recently dilbert.com has updated their site introducing a new design, structure and functionality.  The site makes use of some very innovative user generated content, such as mash ups an area where users can suggest new punchlines and vote for the best ones.

User generated content can have several advantages, it involves users in the site, means content is frequently changing and can encourage users to promote the site to others.  However, it also has a down side in that it can provide the opportunity for those dissatisfied with your brand, site or actions to speak out.

Chevy discovered the negatives of user generated content when they tried to get people to create their own adverts for the Tahoe using video clips and music they had created. People used the clips to bash Chevy and the fuel economy of there vehicles. Although not as extreme, users could be seen using the mash up functionality to criticize the site this week.

A user has used the cartoon above to post the message “Who cares about mash ups? All we want is a simple fast web site to read Dilbert! This new site sucks. Bring back the old web site!!”.

It isn’t uncommon for site redesigns to have some negative responses even if improvements are for the better. Regular users get use to where content is and the design and are put off by change. This is one of the reasons why it is important to manage change, informing users what’s happening, introducing ways to feedback and when possible making incremental changes.

This comment also highlights an important point, just because there is extra web 2.0 features does not mean users are willing to put up with poor performance on key functionality. Why it was decided to display the cartoons on the home page within a flash area is incomprehencible when an image would do much the same job more efficiently. The use of the ‘beta’ will also do little to appease users when they had a perfectly good site before.

Stanford University has released another cool tool on their site. This time it allows you to create a three dimensional model from a single photograph.

It uses machine learning techniques to recognise 3-d structures, such as the slope of mountains or branches of trees. Apparently, it can take a bit of time to generate the models. You can create models with your own photographs and learn more at Make 3D.

I recently received an article about the use of hypersonic sound in advertising. According to the article advertisers have been using the technology to produce spooky experiences in the public.

Apparently, hypersonic sound is a process by which sound is converted into an ultrasonic signal. This has the advantage that the sound can be broadcast in a beam at a specific location. It also means sound does not spread out the side and rear of the speaker creating unwanted noise pollution. When the ultrasonic bean hits a surface it makes it resonate. This includes the head of a potential listener causing them to hear the sound. This means it is able to play sounds or voices in very specific locations so they seem to almost come from within the listener’s head.

I have to say I was quiet sceptical whether hypersonic sound was real as the use of hyper and sonic was just too star-trek to be true. The original article also made me paranoid of the technology which was ironic as it described how hypersonic sound was used together with bill boards to promote a TV show called paranoid state. However, a quick search failed to produce anything to discredit so for now I will reserve judgement.

The article on the ‘paranoid state’ billboard: Schizophrenia is the new ad gimmick

More about hypersonic sound

For years now I have wanted a tiny phone without a camera, radio or mp3 player. I have a separate devices that perform these functions. If anything I may want my phone to be able to link to my camera or ipod, but ultimately I use my phone to store contacts, email and surprisingly telephone.

Thanks to an American based company I may well be able to choose what functionality appears in my phone. Bug labs has started to sell a module based mobile device that allows users to pick and choose what they want it to be able to do. It may turn out to be a bit complex for most users and lack the styling or usability of modern phones, but a lovely idea none the less.

Springwises article : Build your own mobile