Blog Post 9

First of all, an interface is essentially a form of connection or method between either pieces of technology or even us as humans and electronic devices. This can be in the form of something online such as computers having different networks that bring the user to other parts of the computer, or something as simple as you pressing the power button on your computer to turn it on and off. I think this is very interestingly applied in the website made by Shelley Jackson. After clicking on the begin button which is the interface that connects you and the rest of the website, you are brought to a picture that almost stumps you on what to do next. However, as you click on the picture it brings you to another photograph of a body with different parts labeled, each being an interface or connection to a small story. I love how unique Jackson made this website as I have never seen anything designed like that before. She truly focused on creating a well designed interface portion of it and making sure the users needs were met. 

In the second website we looked at by Zoe Quinn, it's noticeably a lot different of a design and use of interface. The website is a "game" focusing on the struggles of depression and raising awareness of it. Rather than there being less obvious places to click to the next page as in Jackson's website, Quinn uses a different approach to interface by inputting links at the bottom of every page that you as the reader choose based on the reading above it. It allows the user to take the journey that they feel is right and unique to them. Her use of links also shows within some of the paragraphs where she highlights names in the story or important parts that will even take the user to another small paragraph to explain its origin and how it applies. 

Both of these websites are very good and different examples of interface and how they can be used in unique ways. As I stated it is as simple as a light switch, power button, or even a key that types one letter. However, when using it in a website sense, as we will in our next project, there are many ways to go about it. I personally liked how in Quinn's website she subtly put in many smooth and quick links throughout the paragraphs so that readers can be easily brought to a place they want to go. This form of good user experience is what I will be looking to do when I create my website presentation. 

Comments

  1. I really like the simple definition you have of interface. I feel like many of these concepts can feel very complex, but in this case it is actually very simple. Interface can be anything that connects the user to the website. I think for my website interface, I will be using a more straightforward approach than either of the examples from the reading. Their interface serves a different purpose than mine will. Theirs was to tell a story, and my purpose is to show off my work in a portfolio. They had more creative liberty in their story telling, whereas my goal is to be as straightforward as possible so that people can easily view my work.

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