Is it me or is there a rush of research coming out from the human factors fields about the future effects of web enabled technology?
Newsweek magazine devoted a whole issue recently on how wireless technology, such as cell phones, would BE the next PC’s.
The reading I’ve been doing lately inspired me to write, in my blog entry called, Speaking in Usability Code:
”In my Sci-Fi head, I’m visualizing Google installing a bit of sofware into our bodies, like my dog’s ID micro-chip is implanted into him in case he gets lost. Google can follow us around, indexing addresses, bank statements, what you buy and directions to your in-laws house. Putting privacy issues aside, WE would be the Google-bots.”
Even Cre8asiteForums isn’t immune to the rumblings and introspective, probings and experiments, by some members. Many are completely dissatisfied with what presently exists. Others offer a variation on someone else’s idea. We’re attracting more and more pioneers and thinkers in our quiet community. We may not be Danny Sullivan or Brett Tabke’s kind of forum, but some of the best work is done in solitude or a small kitchen table with some friends.
Have you ever picked strawberries in a field of strawberries, under the blazing hot sun? All that bending over and reaching, hands poking around green leaves looking for the juicy, plump red fruit hiding underneath…and unless there’s a huge crowd there, you’re essentially just alone in that giant farmer’s field. When you’ve finished, you’re feeling satisfied that you got what you wanted but the field is still tranquil and producing more, regardless of your intrusion into it.
We don’t do that with technology.
It’s not going to be that way with the Web, is it.



I have this overwhelming desire to just leave a short message saying “I like strawberries.”
It’s probably better than [URL=http://www.wdvl.com/Authoring/Design/Community/com1-1.html]I like Cheese[/url].
It is interesting to see all of the different ideas percolating and permeating through the forum. I like when marketing meets usabilty meets design meets SEO.
Comment by Bill — June 11, 2004 @ 11:39 am
Heh. I keep wanting to sing “We all live in a yellow submarine.”
If I hadn’t read that book you sent me, Bill, I wouldn’t have understood the “I like Cheese” thing.
It’s amazing what we do to get comments going….:)
Comment by Cre8pc — June 13, 2004 @ 7:57 pm
Back to your first few sentences, I have been seeing a lot of wireless technologies aimed at the home user.
I’m not sure that this is a great time to be an early adapter just because there’s a lot of stuff just waiting to be released that is truly amazing.
There’s one version of wireless that is supposed to be released this summer which has a range limit of approximately 300 miles. Image leaving your computer at home, and connecting to it with just a portable monitor.
Comment by Bill Slawski — June 13, 2004 @ 10:14 pm
My mate does that now with his cell phone. Gets on the ‘Net, checks his email, etc.
He never goes anywhere without it.
What’s scary is that with all this easy access technology, how many employers will expect workers to check in during vacation? It’s hard enough, for some folks, to leave a laptop home and get at least one week a year “off” from email, and the ‘Net.
If you only need a phone, some employers may get greedy
Comment by Cre8pc — June 21, 2004 @ 11:55 am
I’ve been avoiding getting a mobile phone. I’m not sure I want to be that connected.
Comment by Bill Slawski — June 22, 2004 @ 9:08 pm