Magic Words: How Language Augments Human Computation

Added on 25 June 2006 Peter Bogaards
“Public language is a cognition-enhancing tool — it is a species of external artifact whose current adaptive value is partially constituted by its role in re-shaping the kinds of computational space that our biological brains must negotiate in order to solve certain types of problems, or to carry out certain complex projects. This computational role of language has been somewhat neglected (not un-noticed, but not rigorously pursued either) in recent cognitive science, due perhaps to a (quite proper) fascination with and concentration upon, that other obvious dimension: the role of language as an instrument of interpersonal communication. In this chapter, I try to display the broad shape of the alternative orientation. I discuss the views of some recent (and not-so-recent) authors, who recognize in various ways, the potential role of language and text in transforming, reshaping and simplifying the computational tasks that confront the biological brain. I then pursue this idea through a series of examples involving planning, concept learning, the construction of complex thoughts and the capacity to refelect on our own cognitive profiles.” (Andy Clark)

On the architecture and design of information environments

Added on 22 June 2006 Peter Bogaards
“Though it’s common practice, thinking of information retrieval exclusively as ‘search’ is an arbitrarily narrow way of framing an area of capability with strong impact on overall perceptions of user experience quality and effectiveness. In the long term, it limits opportunities to offer customers more effective solutions to broader and more fully understood needs that involve information retrieval, but are motivated by other goals. This narrow view is especially limiting for the user experience architect, as it implies an immediate focus on the search aspects of information environments.” (Joe Lamantia) – courtesy of donnamaurer

The Confluence of Research and Practice in Information Architecture

Added on 21 June 2006 Peter Bogaards
“Of course there is a great deal of relevant research, as can be said of any area. However, this relevant research is scattered across many disciplines and over numerous journals, using various names and taking multiple forms. Seldom does it establish an explicit connection to IA, let alone describe itself as IA research.” (Karl Fast – ASIS&T Bulletin June 2006)

Fine Typography for the Web

Added on 21 June 2006 Peter Bogaards
“Typography is the craft of endowing human language with a durable visual form, and thus with an independent existence. Its heartwood is calligraphy – the dance, on a tiny stage, of the living, speaking hand – and its roots reach into living soil, though its branches may be hung each year with new machines.” (Dave Shea)

How values get embedded in technology

Added on 19 June 2006 Peter Bogaards
The vloggercon keynote by information architect and user experience consultant Peter Van Dijck – “The technology and the culture of videoblogging co-evolve. So the practices and believes that you have are shaped in part by the technology that’s available to you, and the technology that’s being created like crazy these days is shaped by the practices and believes you hold.” (Peter Van Dijck – poorbuthappy)

Minimalism: The Minimalist Model applied to documentation and training

Added on 18 June 2006 Peter Bogaards
“The Minimalist theory of J.M. Carroll is a framework for the design of instruction, especially training materials for computer users. The theory suggests that (1) all learning tasks should be meaningful and self-contained activities, (2) learners should be given realistic projects as quickly as possible, (3) instruction should permit self-directed reasoning and improvising by increasing the number of active learning activities, (4) training materials and activities should provide for error recognition and recovery and, (5) there should be a close linkage between the training and actual system.” (Martin Ryder)

Top Designer Says World Cup Design ‘Just Embarrassing’

Added on 16 June 2006 Peter Bogaards
“They are over-organized; there are too many messages; and nobody wants to take on responsibility. In fact, it is a perfect mirror of German society right now. It is very much akin to the governing grand coalition — two big parties that are basically canceling each other out because no one can make any decisions. Everyone is trying to be nice, everyone knows we have to do something, change society, change behavior, and economy, but no one wants to take the first step because we’re so comfortable. We’re still wrapped up in our nice security blanket. We know it’s cold outside, but we just stay inside and huddle. This sort of World Cup design is very much communal huddling — trying to please everyone but never even putting a finger outside of that security blanket.” (says Erik Spiekermann – Deutsche Welle) – courtesy of dirkknemeyer

The value of openness in an attention economy

Added on 14 June 2006 Peter Bogaards
FM10 ‘Openness: Code, Science, and Content’: Selected Papers from the First Monday Conference, 15–17 May 2006 – “A theory of how we pay attention to other humans suggests why receiving it is both desirable and difficult. Humans can absorb as much attention as can be obtained, which differentiates it from other sorts of scarce goods. The theory also suggests a typology of openness, permitting an analysis of the different forms addressed in this Conference, along with others, both existing and potential. In this context, it seems reasonable to speculate on how attention–economic activity manifested through openness may help lead to further dominance of this type of economy. Groupings based on and espousing openness eventually may come increasingly to replace profit–making firms and even non–profit institutions such as universities, while making the pursuit of money largely irrelevant.” (Michael Goldhaber – First Monday 11.6)