Today Microsoft announced the development of a new kind of tabletop computer that operates totally through touch screen. The touchscreen part is not that groudbreaking but the way this computer interfaces with other devices placed on it is. Check it out in Popular Mechanics. Here's a video demonstration:
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Flow and E-Commerce
While getting my Master's in Educational Technology at SDSU we studied Csikszentmihalyi's Flow theory as it related to Educational Gaming. It's something that also applies to the creation of a shopping Web site. The point being, if a site is too challenging (difficult to navigate, confusing) or if it's not engaging at all (boring) people won't want to go there. Finding the right mix of challenge and fun will help those who visit your site get into a "flow," a place where they are so engaged in what they are doing that they forget about time and the outside world.
Below is a segment of an article from informit.com about optimizing flow in Web design. I found it fascinating. It points out that for those serious about creating sites where people love to shop there's more to it than catchy graphics.
An Interview with Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi
To find out more about flow, speed, and web design, I talked to Dr. Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, who popularized the notion of flow.
Andy King: You talk about immediate feedback being a prerequisite for the flow state. How does speed of interaction influence flow?
Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi: If you mean the speed at which the program loads, the screens change, the commands are carried out—then indeed speed should correlate with flow. If you are playing a fantasy game, for instance, and it takes time to move from one level to the next, then the interruption allows you to get distracted, to lose the concentration on the alternate reality. You have time to think: "Why am I wasting time on this? Shouldn't I be taking the dog for a walk, or studying?"—and the game is over, psychologically speaking.
King: Responsive feedback of an activity and feelings of control go hand in hand. Can you elaborate on that?
Csikszentmihalyi: Actually it's not so much the "feeling" of control, as the fact that you can act without thinking, without interruption, and making your own choices (for example, BEING in control). If a computer program has a mind of its own, is not responsive to your commands, or is so slow as to appear to be a moron, then you are again brought back to "reality" and lose flow.
King: Has your definition of flow changed over the years?
Csikszentmihalyi: The only change has been that we found it takes above average challenges AND skills to get into flow. Also, there seem to be individual differences so that some people prefer to be in control (that is, high skill, moderate challenge) to being in flow.
King: You said that web sites should be like a gourmet meal to enable flow. Can you elaborate?
Csikszentmihalyi: What I meant is that like in a good meal, you should have varieties of tastes and textures, metaphorically speaking.
King: What do you think the key attributes would be of web sites that enable flow?
Csikszentmihalyi: The key attribute is that it should be very user-friendly and transparent at first, but one should immediately be able to find complexity in it, so as to find quickly the right level of opportunities for "action" that match one's skills. These "challenges" include the visual aspects as well as the content.
Shopping Site Design
Hoffman, Novak, and Yung performed an additional survey on web shopping using a list of features that shoppers found important on the Internet. They found customer support to be very important for a "smooth" shopping experience. Speed plays a role in a compelling shopping experience, contributing significantly to ease of contact and variety.
Variety and quality of information are important to consumers. Shoppers don't want cutting-edge technology, however. It just gets in the way of consumer goals.
Below is a segment of an article from informit.com about optimizing flow in Web design. I found it fascinating. It points out that for those serious about creating sites where people love to shop there's more to it than catchy graphics.
An Interview with Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi
To find out more about flow, speed, and web design, I talked to Dr. Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, who popularized the notion of flow.
Andy King: You talk about immediate feedback being a prerequisite for the flow state. How does speed of interaction influence flow?
Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi: If you mean the speed at which the program loads, the screens change, the commands are carried out—then indeed speed should correlate with flow. If you are playing a fantasy game, for instance, and it takes time to move from one level to the next, then the interruption allows you to get distracted, to lose the concentration on the alternate reality. You have time to think: "Why am I wasting time on this? Shouldn't I be taking the dog for a walk, or studying?"—and the game is over, psychologically speaking.
King: Responsive feedback of an activity and feelings of control go hand in hand. Can you elaborate on that?
Csikszentmihalyi: Actually it's not so much the "feeling" of control, as the fact that you can act without thinking, without interruption, and making your own choices (for example, BEING in control). If a computer program has a mind of its own, is not responsive to your commands, or is so slow as to appear to be a moron, then you are again brought back to "reality" and lose flow.
King: Has your definition of flow changed over the years?
Csikszentmihalyi: The only change has been that we found it takes above average challenges AND skills to get into flow. Also, there seem to be individual differences so that some people prefer to be in control (that is, high skill, moderate challenge) to being in flow.
King: You said that web sites should be like a gourmet meal to enable flow. Can you elaborate?
Csikszentmihalyi: What I meant is that like in a good meal, you should have varieties of tastes and textures, metaphorically speaking.
King: What do you think the key attributes would be of web sites that enable flow?
Csikszentmihalyi: The key attribute is that it should be very user-friendly and transparent at first, but one should immediately be able to find complexity in it, so as to find quickly the right level of opportunities for "action" that match one's skills. These "challenges" include the visual aspects as well as the content.
Shopping Site Design
Hoffman, Novak, and Yung performed an additional survey on web shopping using a list of features that shoppers found important on the Internet. They found customer support to be very important for a "smooth" shopping experience. Speed plays a role in a compelling shopping experience, contributing significantly to ease of contact and variety.
Variety and quality of information are important to consumers. Shoppers don't want cutting-edge technology, however. It just gets in the way of consumer goals.
Saturday, May 19, 2007
Final Project Proposal
I've posted a simple e-commerce site that I built last week. It has an off site shopping cart, an asp survey form and rather graphics intensive design. This was a low cost site with basic e-commerce capabilities. The client is pleased with it. Personally, I can do much better but there was no budget for a marketing analysis or content development so encouraged them to provide better materials and then did the best I could to make it look good.
The site is located www.proshuffler.com
The product is a professional grade card shuffler which is competing with machines that cost 10 times as much.
Currently, the product is taking pre-orders the client expects to have the production models available by late June.
I was hoping to have my new site done but business has been good and I did not have the time.
I have been reformulating my entire business strategy and expect the new site to be very effective.
The site is located www.proshuffler.com
The product is a professional grade card shuffler which is competing with machines that cost 10 times as much.
Currently, the product is taking pre-orders the client expects to have the production models available by late June.
I was hoping to have my new site done but business has been good and I did not have the time.
I have been reformulating my entire business strategy and expect the new site to be very effective.
Thursday, May 17, 2007
Jana & Peters Revised Mission statement/PP
Hope everyone is doing well w/finals! Here are our updated MS and PP:
Natural Polish Collagen Mission Statement:
We will provide natural health and beauty products that exceed our customers’ expectations. We are determined to provide our valued customers with premium quality products that enhance their health and beauty. Our goal is to connect North American customers with previously unavailable European beauty secrets. Our extensive medical background ensures that we will only promote products with the best results and the highest safety standards.
Our Commitment To Privacy
Your privacy is important to us. To better protect your privacy we provide this notice explaining our online information practices and the choices you can make about the way your information is collected and used. To make this notice easy to find, we make it available on our homepage and at every point where personally identifiable information may be requested.
The Information We Collect
This notice applies to all information collected or submitted on the Natural Polish Collagen website. On some pages, you can order products, make requests, and register to receive materials. The types of personal information collected at these pages are:
Name Address Email address Phone number Credit/Debit Card Information (etc.)
On some pages, you can submit information about other people. For example, if you order a gift online and want it sent directly to the recipient, you will need to submit the recipient's address. In this circumstance, the types of personal information collected are:
Name Address Phone Number (etc.)
The Way We Use Information
We use the information you provide about yourself when placing an order only to complete that order. We do not share this information with outside parties except to the extent necessary to complete that order.
We use the information you provide about someone else when placing an order only to ship the product and to confirm delivery. We do not share this information with outside parties except to the extent necessary to complete that order.
We offer gift-cards by which you can personalize a product you order for another person. Information you provide to us to create a gift-card is only used for that purpose, and it is only disclosed to the person receiving the gift.
We use return email addresses to answer the email we receive. Such addresses are not used for any other purpose and are not shared with outside parties.
You can register with our website if you would like to receive our future catalog as well as updates on our new products and services. Information you submit on our website will not be used for this purpose unless you fill out the registration form.
Finally, we never use or share the personally identifiable information provided to us online in ways unrelated to the ones described above without also providing you an opportunity to opt-out or otherwise prohibit such unrelated uses.
Our Commitment To Data Security
To prevent unauthorized access, maintain data accuracy, and ensure the correct use of information, we have put in place appropriate physical, electronic, and managerial procedures to safeguard and secure the information we collect online.
Our Commitment To Children's Privacy
Kids: Be sure to ask your parents for permission before you send any information about yourself, such as your name, address, or e-mail address, over the Internet, to us or to anyone else and before making any purchases online.
How You Can Access Or Correct Your Information
You can access all your personally identifiable information that we collect online and maintain by logging into your personal passworded account. We use this procedure to better safeguard your information.
You can correct factual errors in your personally identifiable information by sending us a request that credibly shows error.
To protect your privacy and security, we will also take reasonable steps to verify your identity before granting access or making corrections.
How To Contact Us
Should you have other questions or concerns about these privacy policies, please call us at 1.858.245.8697 or send us an email at questions@naturalpolishcollagen.com.
-Jana Pierce & PEter Ochabski
Natural Polish Collagen Mission Statement:
We will provide natural health and beauty products that exceed our customers’ expectations. We are determined to provide our valued customers with premium quality products that enhance their health and beauty. Our goal is to connect North American customers with previously unavailable European beauty secrets. Our extensive medical background ensures that we will only promote products with the best results and the highest safety standards.
Our Commitment To Privacy
Your privacy is important to us. To better protect your privacy we provide this notice explaining our online information practices and the choices you can make about the way your information is collected and used. To make this notice easy to find, we make it available on our homepage and at every point where personally identifiable information may be requested.
The Information We Collect
This notice applies to all information collected or submitted on the Natural Polish Collagen website. On some pages, you can order products, make requests, and register to receive materials. The types of personal information collected at these pages are:
Name Address Email address Phone number Credit/Debit Card Information (etc.)
On some pages, you can submit information about other people. For example, if you order a gift online and want it sent directly to the recipient, you will need to submit the recipient's address. In this circumstance, the types of personal information collected are:
Name Address Phone Number (etc.)
The Way We Use Information
We use the information you provide about yourself when placing an order only to complete that order. We do not share this information with outside parties except to the extent necessary to complete that order.
We use the information you provide about someone else when placing an order only to ship the product and to confirm delivery. We do not share this information with outside parties except to the extent necessary to complete that order.
We offer gift-cards by which you can personalize a product you order for another person. Information you provide to us to create a gift-card is only used for that purpose, and it is only disclosed to the person receiving the gift.
We use return email addresses to answer the email we receive. Such addresses are not used for any other purpose and are not shared with outside parties.
You can register with our website if you would like to receive our future catalog as well as updates on our new products and services. Information you submit on our website will not be used for this purpose unless you fill out the registration form.
Finally, we never use or share the personally identifiable information provided to us online in ways unrelated to the ones described above without also providing you an opportunity to opt-out or otherwise prohibit such unrelated uses.
Our Commitment To Data Security
To prevent unauthorized access, maintain data accuracy, and ensure the correct use of information, we have put in place appropriate physical, electronic, and managerial procedures to safeguard and secure the information we collect online.
Our Commitment To Children's Privacy
Kids: Be sure to ask your parents for permission before you send any information about yourself, such as your name, address, or e-mail address, over the Internet, to us or to anyone else and before making any purchases online.
How You Can Access Or Correct Your Information
You can access all your personally identifiable information that we collect online and maintain by logging into your personal passworded account. We use this procedure to better safeguard your information.
You can correct factual errors in your personally identifiable information by sending us a request that credibly shows error.
To protect your privacy and security, we will also take reasonable steps to verify your identity before granting access or making corrections.
How To Contact Us
Should you have other questions or concerns about these privacy policies, please call us at 1.858.245.8697 or send us an email at questions@naturalpolishcollagen.com.
-Jana Pierce & PEter Ochabski
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
Final Project
It's my turn now. I was wondering, if some of you could test my website. I specially would like you to let me know if any of the grammar is not correct or weird....
Thanks, Janja
http://www.designbyjanja.com
Thanks, Janja
http://www.designbyjanja.com
Saturday, May 12, 2007
Progress on my final
We’ll the story so far. I have my site posted on the web. I have changed a few things and will do more, as I get better at graphics. I have been testing the site with different Internet browsers. I have tried Avanti which has a cool mouse clicks for navigation. Opera, Firefox, Maxthon, Netscape and Neoplanet. But being careful I notice a lot of network traffic when I would use some of the browsers. So I checked for Spyware after each use of each browser. I use Lavasoft’s Ad-aware Se free version on my Sleekline P4 XP Pro OS in the garage above my workbench. I do have a few computers I have collected over the years. If any body wants a free Pentium 1 let me know. Here is what I found. With Avanti version 11 I didn’t get any Spyware infections the same for Firefox version 1.2.For Opera version 9.2, Maxthon version 1.5.9, and Netscape version 8.2. I had two for each one I used each time I used them. I tried Neoplanet 5.1, which can read to you as you use it. Had eleven instances of Spyware. (Please this is not about who uses which program for Internet or for Spyware scanning. As I have used the programs I have for years and have not had too many problems as I have tried different programs at different corporations and at home. That I know what works for me). If you must know I use Eset’s Nod32 for my AV. So my advice is be careful and check your Spyware program for the latest updates and that it is working. If you do not want one I wish you well. Most are luckier than I
Final Project
For my final project, I would like to create a working website-option 1. I hope to be able to use Mira Costa's web space until I arrange something else. I searched the web for domain names and, unfortunately, all of the names I want have been taken already. So I must come up with a new name that works with my business. A name that has something to do with traveling the world to photograph special occasions/weddings. Any suggestions?
-Benjamin
-Benjamin
Thursday, May 10, 2007
Hey It Finals
Dear fellow students in my class (classmates). I have posted my web site at http://www.tutorsinscience.com/ . Please check it out test it. Comment on it please. The cost for this was quite cheap and easy, click on the link on the home page. I bought the beginners package. The free coffee cup HTML editor was easy also, but like everything else it takes some getting use to. The copy and paste, the putting links in took some time. Mostly paste in code and look and see in preview what it would look like. I do have plenty of tissues for a good cry, so tell me what you think. Thanks for everything maybe we should meet at Enzo’s on Oceanside Boulevard for brunch and talk. It’s near college Boulevard and Oceanside Boulevard. You can email me through the web site. Just a suggestion Ya ‘All. Russ
Friday, May 4, 2007
Idea to get your Webpage more noticed...
A friend of mine just sent me his webpage address. It's a service that will add a voice-over onto a picture you post on your webpage. The idea is that most of the people will not take the time to read the content of your page. I think, this is a great way to get the attention of potential customers and increase your chances to stand out.
Check it out...
http://johnfrankle.info
Check it out...
http://johnfrankle.info
Thursday, May 3, 2007
Final Proposal
Well i posted my proposal but I do not see anymore. I hope I am not late on the repost. My proposal is for Auto Extreme Inc. in Option 1. I do not know about this blog thing. I has a problem on where to post because I know I posted here before but I read other students proposal I guess I am not the only one. I will create Auto Extreme from the ground up probanlu grabbing ideas from other sites. I just hope it turns out right. -Carlos
Final Proposal
I posted my proposal previously, but do not see it here anymore. So for those of you that missed it (and to make sure I get credit for it) I'm reposting.
For my final project I will be completing proposal number 1. I plan to have my own website created at the close of this class.
For my final project I will be completing proposal number 1. I plan to have my own website created at the close of this class.
Final Project Proposal
Hello everyone, as you read in Janas post we just got the opportunity to create a website with my Mom. She will be importing Natural Polish Collagen and we will be creating a site for her to publicize and sell these products online. We will be doing our best use what we learned in class and make her site search engine friendly as well. We are already working hard on it and will have a link soon. Please let us know what you think and if you have any suggestion on improvements they'd be most welcome. The site will likely have more then 5 pages ;-)
-Peter Ochabski
BTW we are also re-vamping artscientific.com so please check it out over the next few days as well!
http://www.artscientific.com
-Peter Ochabski
BTW we are also re-vamping artscientific.com so please check it out over the next few days as well!
http://www.artscientific.com
Final Proposal
Hi all!
I have to apologize that it has taken so long to catch up to the class in posting my (our) final project proposal on the blog. Peter and I have recently been presented with the opportunity to write an e-commerce site for his mom to promote the sale of a european product. It is a natural collagen moisturizer that is widely sold in Europe but is just reaching the US. There are three levels of potency (platinum, silver, and graphite) all sold in three sizes. This is a very exciting business venture as we were not sure that this would happen in time to use this as our final project. Since it has (thankfully!) we are putting our stories web site on hold for now to focus on this project.
-Jana
I have to apologize that it has taken so long to catch up to the class in posting my (our) final project proposal on the blog. Peter and I have recently been presented with the opportunity to write an e-commerce site for his mom to promote the sale of a european product. It is a natural collagen moisturizer that is widely sold in Europe but is just reaching the US. There are three levels of potency (platinum, silver, and graphite) all sold in three sizes. This is a very exciting business venture as we were not sure that this would happen in time to use this as our final project. Since it has (thankfully!) we are putting our stories web site on hold for now to focus on this project.
-Jana
Small Business 101
The New York Times has just started a new section entitled Small Business 101. It's loaded with great advice and resources for budding entrepreneurs.
The intial article states that it's never been easier to start a new business, but the real challenge is to actually sell something. However, experts say "Success comes with education, careful planning and adequate cash flow."
I'll be including some of the great links they provide on this blog and in a future resources page being created for my Web site.
The intial article states that it's never been easier to start a new business, but the real challenge is to actually sell something. However, experts say "Success comes with education, careful planning and adequate cash flow."
I'll be including some of the great links they provide on this blog and in a future resources page being created for my Web site.
Wednesday, May 2, 2007
Final Project Proposal
I will do option 1, and create a five page web site. I will do it on the potential business Inspired Education. I will be starting from scratch and this is my first web site project, which is exciting. I will probably use paypal for the shopping cart and get some free web site space from miracosta.
Tuesday, May 1, 2007
Stalkers, Sexual Harassers Threaten Female Bloggers
Important safety information for all Bloggers.
Alonzo
Alonzo
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