Blog Post 9: Interface and E-Lit
An interface is a means of interaction between two entities, whether that be human to computer or computer to computer. For human to computer interactions, it can be presented as graphs, buttons, etc. Both of the hypertexts, My Body, a Wunderkammer by Shelley Jackson and Depression Quest by Zoe Quinn, are examples of the new “genre”, electronic literature. This is because they have an interface that allows for interaction between the human and the computer to fully consume the literature being presented. Throughout each piece of electronic literature, there are multiple hyperlinks that the reader can click on to gain more details and information regarding the text. Each hypertext includes a pretty low-tech user interface that elicits an effective and efficient user experience. Through using these hyperlinks, the creators/authors are able to expand upon different parts of literature, such as character development or setting, which includes information that might not have been available if its contents were to be told on paper. It is impossible to create something of this capacity effectively on paper as it would involve an incredible amount of flipping pages back and forth. Therefore, through the use of user interfaces in literature, it creates a new opportunity for authors to provide a more interactive experience for their readers.
When I create a website regarding myself, I want it to be as user friendly as possible. I believe a menu of all actions that the website provides to be a necessity when creating my website. This will allow me to ensure that it is incredibly easy to navigate as it would essentially create a map of where to find specific content on the site. Personally, I don’t think my web presentation in unit 4 will be very complex as I want to draw focus to my most impressive works rather than overwhelming the site with all of my work. Therefore, my user interface needs to be simplistic in its design.
I completely agree with the need for a website to provide accessibility for its users. As well as the simplistic design choice. In order for a website to be successful it must provide engaging content while also keeping a sleek design and simple navigation. I also agreed with the importance and need for interfaces in different medias such as literature. They provide for a much more interactive experience for their readers by allowing them insight and information that they would not usually have.
ReplyDeleteI agree with the idea that electronic literature can provide new opportunities for users. The use of hyperlinks and an interactive interface lets humans have an efficient and comprehensive understanding of the material they are reading. The ease of this is also appealing to those who may have time constraints or do not want to spend hours sifting back and fourth through literature. I also would want to create a website that is very user friendly, where my audience does not have to guess how to use it. I would like to create something that is intuitive because that is what I would want to see as a user. Similarly to you, I would want a simple, minimalistic website to make the focus of the website the actual work it displays. I think having a drop down menu or links on the screen at all times to send you to new pages would be helpful. I would also like if the home page gave detail about the website itself, maybe not a ton of info on the things within the website, but just some tips on how to use it and where everything can be found to start the user on the right foot. Overall, great post!
ReplyDeletePersonally, I totally agree with the idea of making our websites user friendly, and not very complex. I feel a less complex website will be easier to navigate and a less complex website will give the creator of the website an easier time in explaining their website to others, and even to themselves. Also, just as you said, you don't want your website to be to overwhelming for both your viewers and yourself. Personally, I definitely feel hyperlinking is very important in creating a website as without it, the website could be kind of boring, and less easily navigated. I really enjoyed your blog post, it was very well thought out and explained, and it really got me thinking about my own websites I will create as well.
ReplyDeleteSimple design sounds like a great idea to highlight the content on your site. :)
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