Much like dating, social media has a secret success formula that once understood can allow you to leverage your company, brand, product or service in a position that will attract EXACTLY the type of customers you want.  The following three steps explain just how easy it is.

1. Listen: There is so much noise going on today sometimes it’s hard to stop and listen. Yet listening is often the best way to understand what you’re looking for. In dating this is the first key to success, if you listen well and remember what is being said, chances are, you’re earning checks on that invisible score card. We all appreciate a good listener. Much like in social media this is a first step. Taking the time to listen to certain industry chatter, competitor’s tweets or watching video blog’s will show you how you want to present your company and where you need to be positioning yourself to be heard. Once you are in the position of having active listeners who are interested in you, you can move to the next step.
2. Engage: Calm down guys, I don’t mean a sparkly ring yet. Here’s where we get to “wow” everyone with what we have to say. We know people are interested, they are following us and waiting for an update, so this is your chance to engage back and impress. Social media is friendly and conversational; it’s easy to engage, especially in under 140 characters. Stay cautious to your listeners though and ensure you are talking to your audience. Posting is a great way to reach out to your users and keep them in the know or offer them incentives. But like any dating couple, in time this will become more sincere and your relationship will grow, in turn more information will begin to flow. The level of comfort will allow you to engage more, chatter back, ask for advice and maybe even leave your coordinates as to what bar you are having drinks at after work. As in life, social media will give you more once you allow yourself to open up and share.
3. Commit: Committing is hard for the best of us. With so much choice and such easy access to any and all information, sometimes it can be hard to stay focused and committed to your social media. The more followers you gain, the more buzz you create, the more work it can be for you. At times this can feel overwhelming but by monitoring regularly and staying connected with your audience it can easily become part of your daily morning routine. You have sincere trust from your audience and you have their full attention. The worst thing you could possibly do now is recoil and disengage. You’ve set the standard and now it’s your reputation on the line. Whether its brand, product or service, you have a community of people who are genuinely interested in what you are saying and care to know about your updates. There is a trust that has been built that will lead into loyalty: loyalty to products, brands and companies. Once trust and loyalty have been secured, you have potentially built a relationship that could last a lifetime.

Like anything, can we be sure it will last? Will it be worth it in the end? No one can ever be sure. But while we are involved with being social- media or personal- if we can remember to take the time to listen, engage and commit, at least we can say at the end of the day we gave it our all and we tried to make it work.

For better or for worse, social media is here to stay.

Katie Irwin

 Is it too soon to state that the art of conversation has ended? Or are we embarking on a new tangent of communication mediated through our far reaching networks and ever capable devices. A recent study published by the BBC states that converse to initial hypotheses, abbreviations and shorthand developed to accommodate the physical and technical constraints of SMS messaging demand the same phonological awareness required to learn correct spelling. The constraints I am referring to are the 160 character limit imposed by the SMS messaging protocol, and the more general physical constraints imposed upon us by the devices we use.

 In our pursuit of efficiency, potentially significant limitations are being introduced into our channels of communication. The T9 predictive text algorithm is a great example of a solution which helped overcome the vast inefficiencies of a multi-tap input system. However, it is equally import to understand the limitations of allowing a predictive text algorithm to modify your natural thought flow. Regardless of how well the system can adapt to ones personal writing style, it is naive to expect perfection from this type of predictive algorithm. In the urgency of modern life, who has the patience to manually correct an inaccurate prediction? Personally I recall drifting towards words I knew would be picked up as quickly as possible to avoid situations of misinterpretation between my cellphone and I. I adapted to accommodate my device, which in this case was a cellular phone. Swype is a more relevant manifestation of this type of predictive solution with a goal of making data entry more efficient. Addressing the growing number of high resolution touch screens Swype allows users to simply slide their finger between the letters of the word they intend to spell, claiming input speeds over 50 words per minute. Yet again one can identify a similar pattern where efficiency is dependent upon a predictive algorithm.

Beyond algorithmically mediated conversations, it is equally interesting to consider our recent appetite for bite sized chunks of information. It is well accepted that most readers simply scan the contents of the pages they read encounter in a digital medium. We crave quick bursts of concise information, before moving along to the next source, and the next. It is interesting to consider our role in this growing trend; Are we driving this shift in behavior, supporting technologies that satisfy our collective ADD? Or do the new developments in the technology sector entice us to adapt to their limitations? I was rather amused by a recent article which claimed IPhone users suffered from a new form of Stockholm syndrome, as they so eagerly defended the numerous shortcomings of the popular device. We are far from being held captive, but it is interesting to consider the behavioral changes caused by the technologies we now depend upon. The study of usability, accessibility, and design will continue to drive the creation of beautiful and desirable objects which effortlessly integrate themselves deep into our lifestyles. Let us carefully consider not only their ability to help us reach new levels of efficiency, but the overall impact of their adoption on our lives in general. 

Ameya Mhatre

Sustainability reporting is the new buzzword for corporations looking to speak to stakeholders who have higher expectations of corporate responsibility – stakeholders like customers, investors and internal interests – who are looking for a business that embraces and provides a more holistic experience. Sustainability reporting is a process for publicly disclosing an organization’s economic, environmental, and social performance (triple bottom line). Many organizations are finding that financial reporting alone is no longer satisfying the need for information about overall organizational performance; it is no longer contributing to the kind of experience many stakeholders expect of the businesses they engage with.

According the report The Business of Sustainability: Imperatives, Advantages and Actions, produced in collaboration with the Boston Consulting Group and MIT Sloan Management Review, executives surveyed said they weren’t fully exploiting the opportunities and mitigating the risks that sustainability presents. The majority of actions taken thus far have been those necessary to meet regulatory requirements. But, a small and growing number of companies are acting aggressively on sustainability — and reaping substantial rewards. Companies pursuing sustainability initiatives in earnest are unearthing opportunities to reduce costs, create new revenue streams, and develop more innovative business models, creating competitive advantage.

Some key benefits of sustainability reporting are:
> Improved financial performance — reporting helps to identify opportunities for reducing operating costs and improving efficiencies

> Advantage over competitors — there is a short window of opportunity before companies will lose first-mover advantage

> Improved stakeholder relationships — demonstrating a commitment to sustainability builds trust with customers who will come to expect it,  encourages communication and improves reputation

> Improved investor relationships — allows companies to gain better access to investor capital, benefiting from the growing demand for ethical investment funds

> Improved risk management — understanding risks and dealing with them appropriately reduces liabilities, avoids loss of reputation and saves time and money

> Be ahead of the game — organizations positioning themselves ahead of the increased regulations that are likely to occur can take advantage of incentives offered to early adopters

> Allows vendors of larger corporations (who are embracing sustainability more enthusiastically and will influence the supply chain) to provide them with sustainability reporting information before their competitors do

> Creates opportunities to develop innovative products and services and access new markets and business opportunities

> Ability to better recruit and retain employees

The economic, environmental and social sustainability of organizations will become increasingly important over time, and the risks of failing to act decisively are growing. Companies should look to better understand the implications and benefits of sustainability reporting for their business. Akendi’s experience design approach provides a scientific and systematic method for the creation of sustainability reports that allow organizations to clearly communicate their desire for increased social responsibility, and their performance, in the most meaningful way to customers and users.

Athena Herrmann

Here are five critical tips to ensure visual designs enable web usability with examples of problematic websites.

1. Clear Navigation
   The site structure may have been successful organized and well thought out prior to design but effective visual cues are critical to show the users where they currently are in the website and where they can go next so they can reach their goal on the website.

   View an example and read more:
   

2. Create Visual Contrast
   Wireframes are a great guide for mapping and laying out web pages. However, the visual graphics must display hierarchy to guide the users eyes around the page. If the layout is cluttered and the users do not see what they came to the website for, they will leave.

   View an example and read more:
   

3. Be Simple and Get Right to the Point
   Excessive and overdone design makes websites look busy even if the content is simple. Designers should never add graphic elements for decoration. There should always be a purpose and a logical reason for graphics.

   View an example and read more:
   

4. Maintain Consistency in Visual Elements
   Websites must be a consistent system from each page to the next using similar styles, same graphics, layout, grid etc. Otherwise, when elements move around or alter in style, users become confused on whether they have left the website. Also, when users explore the website, they realize that specific graphics means certain actions. If the graphics and the corresponding action changes sporadically, users will not know what to expect next and easily become frustrated.

   View an example and read more:
   

5. Be Legible
   This is simple and important point that users must be able to read your website with ease. To enhance legibility, use easy to read fonts, proper sizes and strong contrast from the background.

   View an example and read more:
   

Of course, there are additional concepts to great visual design that elevate web usability. But with these 5 fundamental ideas, a successful website can be achieved. Therefore, visual design is a critical component that must assist usability. Otherwise, the website can still be failure leaving users confused, frustrated and having a poor web experience.

Karen Ha

In a conversation with my sister a couple of weekends ago, we pondered whether there could be such a thing as a material that would conduct the electricity from our fingertips through our gloves and into our phone’s touchscreens thereby eliminating the need for such knick knacks.

Enter conductive thread. Though not a very popular item at your hardware store, this spool of silvery magic may prove to be a lifesaver if you can get your hands on it. And yes, it actually does work. You don’t even really need to know how to sew to be able to get your gloves touchscreen-ready.

So, if you’re as attached to your touchscreen as I am, or still thinking of a last minute gift for someone, you’ll love this clever way to keep your digits cozy and your touchscreen device in-use during your sub-zero outdoor adventures this winter.

What you’ll need:
- gloves
- conductive thread
- needle

Put your gloves on and mark the contact area where your fingers touch the screen (with chalk or a sharpie). Take the gloves off and with the conductive thread threaded onto your needle just sew straight over the marked area. Go all the way through one layer of the fabric so that when your finger is inside the glove it will come in contact with the thread. Just make sure not to go through both layers of the glove, or else you won’t get your fingers in.

Continue to sew over the contact area several times so that you have enough of a contact surface. Fasten the thread and do the next finger.

And voila! Your very own pair of conductive iPhone gloves.

Here are a few more resources to help you along your quest for warm fingers:
Switch Craft: Battery-Powered Crafts to Make and Sew (book)

Craftsanity (tutorial)

Spread the warmth and happy holidays!

Iffat Jokhio

The mouse appeared commercially as a pointing device for the Xerox Star but wasn’t made popular until it was released with the first Apple Macintosh. It’s now an integral part of the WIMP human-computer model we take for granted today.

Peter Horvath

DATAR 1952

Light Pen 1952

Sketchpad 1963

RAND Tablet 1964

Engelbart 1968

Rollkugel 1968

Xerox 8010 Star 1981

Smakey 1981

Apple Lisa 1983

IBM PC 1983

PERQ 3 1985

Hawley DEC 1986

Apple Desktop 1986

Logitech 3 Button 1988

Logitech MouseMan 1990

Infrared PC mouse 1991

ProAgio 1995

Pinch Gloves 1995

Microsoft Intellimouse 1996

Apple “Puck” USB 1998

Logitech Optical 1999

Apple Pro 2000

P5 Glove 2001

Apple Mighty 2003

Wacom Graphire 2005

Ninentdo Wiimote 2006

Logitech MX Revolution 2006

Multi-touch (FTIR) 2006

Tablet Mouse 2008

Logitech Gesture Mouse 2008

Sony Mouse Phone 2009

Skype MouseFone 2009

Lite-On Moldable 2009

Jelly Click 2009

Elecom Scope Node 2009

Microsoft Arc 2009

Microsoft BlueTrack 2009

Razer Naga 2009

Hillcrest Loop Controller 2009

Orbita 2009

3D City Mouse 2009

3D Desktop Mouse 2009

iPhone AirMouse 2009

SpacePilot 2009

Ring Mouse 2009

OpenOffice 2009

Apple Magic 2009

Microsoft Multitouch 2009

Canesta Gesture 2009

MIT Sixth Sense 2009

openframeworks 2009

10 GUI 2009

Project Natal 2010

Day and night, the streets of Korea are generally fairly busy. Especially, in the streets of the Gangnam district in southern Seoul, which are filled with shops, cafés and restaurants. Along the sidewalk of the road, there are twenty one vertical metal poles that are 12 meters tall with video screens all the way to the top displaying abstract shapes and color in motion.

As we were walking the streets of Gangnam, we noticed people posing in front of the stands and writing on the screens. We decided to see what the fuss was about and it turns out there is a camera on top of the screen and pedestrians can pose and take a photo. Then, they can write a message using their fingers as a writing utensil and email the personalized photo postcard to whomever you wish.

The interactive touch-screens were easy to use and simple to understand. There were also customization options, which allowed users to choose the color of their message and the different photo border templates. Another great element of this installation was that users could retake their photo many times to ensure an excellent shot before they email it.

On top of that, what’s fascinating about this street installation was that there was no identity attached–no branding or logos on the physical structure, no commercials or banner ads during the use of the program and no logo was attached to the digital postcard. So out of curiosity, I searched for more information and found that the project is funded by city of Seoul and sending a digital postcard was only one small function of these media poles.You could also search maps, read news, play games and check transportation information. Unquestionably, this project displays a new form of digital technology that we have yet to explore in North America.

Karen Ha

Now, think about your company.  If you are a cellphone company, or any kind of company, you want to be in this position – of having fans so dedicated to your product, your service, that they continue to choose you over all others.  When you want to discover what it is about the cellphone with the devoted fans that makes them so devoted, where do you begin?  With the hardware, the software, the service? 

Those who use cellphones are interacting with the hardware when they pick up the phone and press buttons.  They use the software when they look lovingly at the interface and interpret what they see.  The use the service when they have contact with your company.  Part of their love for the phone may even come from the service over which the cellphone producer has little control – the strength of the signal they get that enables them to take advantage of being able to use their beloved in a stairwell or even in an elevator… remember, we’re talking about cellphones and creating great experiences here. 

In the end, for the cellphone user, they just love their phone – or they don’t.  So where does that leave competitors who want to break into this market, or who want a larger share?  At Akendi we understand how to approach this kind of challenge.  We understand people.  We put them at the centre of everything we do.  We follow a process that enables us to discern which part of your business offering is affecting the experience your customers have – with your products, your services, your space, your website.  We do this through research to understand how people are interacting with your services, products, space or website and why.  We apply the analysis of that research to our recommendations and to our design solutions.

Would a programmer who is building an application ever launch that app without putting it through a number of rounds of SDLC tests? Never. Similarly, we should not be launching a GUI or Web interfaces that merely meet functional requirements. Just as we need to debug software from a functional point of view, we also need to debug the User Experience or GUI – from the user’s point of view. We do this through an iterative process of protoyping, testing, refining the protoype, adding design, testing again. These designs really work – not just on the computer – but for the end user.

It is better to look at human experience as something that is happening to someone as they interact with something – products, software, services – somewhere – in some sort of context. These elements of people, interaction and context of use form the basis of our approach. They also form the basis of UCD – user centered design – an established process of determining business or organizational goals and user goals and ensuring that there is an alignment there.
In the UCD toolbox there is an established method that allows us to diagnose usability issues by watching how people interact with products, services or software and listening to what they say during that interaction. We use rigour, science and a systematic, repeatable process, and unlike other UX firms, we have professional designers working with us throughout the process.
The result: designs that Wow and work well for the people you are trying to reach.

Cindy Beggs

“It’s still very early days for this, and we’re nowhere near [any serious level] of adoption,” he says. “I’d say it will be five to eight years before it hits mainstream.”

He believes that the biggest driver behind the shift to RIA is the growing expectation on the part of users in terms of what they can do at a website.

“It [the web] is not just about information,” he says of the public’s increasing demands. “People expect them [sites] to have the same functionality and level of interaction as desktop applications. They want to be able to click on a button and have information pop up in the same window. Or move things around on screen, enter values, submit content and receive instant updates.”

Another aspect of RIA is that it pulls information from a lot more sources than you might expect, says Van Gelderen. For example, an RIA map could display stores and restaurants within a specific area, but also provide detailed navigation information from the user’s current location to a specific business that takes into account the current traffic conditions and calculates the best route. It could also pull in customer relationship management data on the user’s purchasing habits or dining preferences and combine it with information from specific local businesses so that personal messages, purchasing recommendations or specials would be highlighted on the same map. This is slick from the user’s point of view and it can boost sales for a business, but it typically requires much more development time than an old-style web page that simply shows the location and phone number of stores and restaurants.

From: http://www.cbc.ca/news/background/tech/internet/ria.html

Tedde van Gelderen