Week 14 - Google Maps Active Research

As I was using Google Maps to apply a sense of direction and the feel of where is where for users to know, I realized this is a great tool to use for visitors and local citizens alike. I never knew how much power we have as an individual to take on and explain the neighborhood I live in for those who do not know the area very well. Ideally, this helps those who are new in the area or are visiting for the time being as vacation. Interactive maps shows us the possibilities of a near by mall or golf course to go to; with icons and lines of where to hike or ride your bike during a day helps others and myself easier to get around to.

Though, with this kind of feature from google maps, I expected even more power than what it already has to offer. If it can have real time data for users like myself, then it would make the experience even better. With google maps you're enabled to set directions and places (i.e restaurants, schools, malls, etc); it illustrates the ideal map anyone could ask for. With timelines though, they let you set time and place though it won't do much than a map would do. Its like telling a story from beginning to end (or in this case, the present time). In either case, it lets you describe the places you've been to or what you have done.
View Parkmerced in a larger map

Dipity

Altarose C. on Dipity.

As I was signing up for Dipity, I realized its timeline(s) are being posted in real time anywhere. Throughout the site, news updates, gossip and among other news are being updated daily by users and the audience are enabled to read and look at it. Also, different searches on what your favorite topics are or any other subject is available to the user. I for one have researched my favorite music groups and/or other stuff in relation to it.

What I have noticed as I was browsing around and thinking about what I should put on my timeline, I realized I usually don't keep track what I do daily unless I do something. On this particular timeline is just about what I do, etc. I also added what I had done just this weekend. I was in LA for a Korean music festival and Korean artists were there to perform. Eventually I'll find more about it using Dipity.

Week 11 - Future of Social Networking

Part 4. Describe your idea(s) about the future of digital social networking services:

With the 21^st century going far along with the technology and social networking at an increase, I believe as a student, we have the capabilities in growing and improving the social media sites that we use today. Time can only tell on how far we can get in doing something extraordinary and unique for a social network to improve. For example, if social networks can add a feature (and I noticed you can on Twitter) of where you at right at that moment one you post something on your profile. Or, increase graphic design (i.e. HTML/CSS feeds/codes) for attention to others to join. If animation movies are improving its CGI effects, why can't social networks do the same?

As students likes myself increase the probability in creating new social networks, the knowledge of refining its current social media sites from them and myself, the generation we're in can move onto a better online community. Perhaps we can add video chat live through online communities/social networks like we'd do with MSN, YM or AIM. Or its possible in adding features on what and whatnot should be on our own profiles to fit better in presenting yourself. Besides adding onto where you are located as you post something on your profile, maybe just like yearbooks back in high school, add pages where your fellow users/friends on your site can “sign” it as a guestbook with the use of virtual crayons or markers. By offering users the choice on what feature to add on online communities can help enhance the already enhanced sites and making it easier for everyone to enjoy as well.

Week 11 - Design Analysis of Flickr

Part 3. Report and reflect on your experience in this new social networking environment:

The social media site I signed up for is Flickr. The community it serves are those who have photos that will then be uploaded and be shared to the world, especially made for photography and photographers around the world. Signing up for this was not hard at all. I just needed a Yahoo! account if I had one, use it and I can start uploading photos. And if you did not have an account you can always create one for confirmation and notification purposes. The site has two main goals in maintaining it, (1) “We want to help people make their content available to the people who matter to them” and (2) “We want to enable new ways of organizing photos and video”

With the user interaction, Flickr enables you to explore other user's photos and critic it on what you think about it. Also, by “exploring” through the site (i.e. tags, by theme, by dates, etc) you can find the photos you are looking for or what you want to see. In order to be socially active is by posting up photos based on whether or not you have themes you used, dates or places you've been to and by adding tags, people around the world can view your photos.

From what I have noticed that, Flickr also enables you to edit your profile, any changes in privacy, notifications, etc. You, as the user have the upper hand on what you want to do with your photos on whether it should be or can be views publicly. Lastly, the more active you are in uploading photos and leave comments other user's photos, album, etc the more you'll get recognized for your work and comments as advice among the Flickr community.

Week 11 - Social Networking

Part 1. Describe your history with and use of social networking:

When I first started out with the social media, it was, I'll admit, hard to adapt, but I did realize it was the beginning for my generation to be the savvy tech generation. The very first type of social media was creating my email accounts (via: AOL, Yahoo, etc). Eventually it lead to using AOL Instant Messenger, social media sites (i.e. Friendster, Hi5, Myspace, Facebook, music forums Youtube, etc). As of now, I do not use AOL anymore, I now use more of Yahoo, Hotmail, Facebook, Friendster, Youtube, and music forums. Most of the social media sites I use and go on to are similar in usernames, email accounts and its password as well.

Part 2. Select a NEW-TO-YOU social networking service and join it:

I chose Flickr for its online community for photography and sharing photos worldwide.

Active Research Part 4: Virtual World

1.Identify 3 components in the interface or world provide you with text-based information. How are they designed and how do you interact with them?

The picture above displays the text-based information within the interface of YoVille. At the very top you will see boxes of which are links in text getting the player what they need or want to do. For example “Invite Friends” who hasn't gotten the YoVille application on their Facebook or “My Neighbors” will enable you to check on your current neighbors via players. Also the Free Gifts section is to get gifts and give it to someone you know or a stranger who is new to YoVille. I think its designed to get around the interface in a more technical and ethical aspect of YoVille.
2. Identify 3 components in the interface or world provide you with Non-text based information. How are they designed and how do you interact with them?

The little icons like the party hat called “Events,” the little sunglass in the corner called “Change Appearance,” and planet Earth called “View Map” are more of a playful type of non-text interface used at YoVille. Also, sending in messages or gifts to your friends/neighbors and such can also be a good aid in those who are young can be attracted to it. These interface is separated to those that are Text-based for I believe its purpose to separate the playful style and the ethical style of YoVille.

3. Give 3 examples of how color, shape, contrast, position, motion, or sound function in the world or interface design.

The visual effects are complimenting each other for its vibrant and eccentric use in making it look real and yet its a cartoon style design. I believe Zynga's, YoVille's company main point in terms of color, shape and contrast between everything next to each other is the fact that it looks very lively and make yourself believe everything is real. The avatars move around pretty easily since its so small and cute. For every event or place I visit its rare to hear background music or audio to express the current mood at that place.
4. How are various tasks and goals communicated to you at the start? How does this evolve as you gain more experience? Name a few ways that you are encouraged to complete tasks and attain goals.

At the start of YoVille, I would be working at a factory gaining Yoville Money 7-8 hours a day as well as about 200 points/day gained. Also, when interacting with other avatars, you'll also gain prizes, points and move up levels. The higher you gain, the more experience you'll be with your avatar.

5. Which features of your selected world contribute to an immersive feeling (like you are really there) (reading: HOH-Immersion) and which features break it?
I believe the only way of communication I went through that made it feel real is through the chat service in YoVille. Though it is design as an online game community, everything seemed so real and seemed to have that 3D effect, chatting made it even better.

6. Attempt to socialize with other avatars. Describe the basics of what you did and the results. What were the limitations you experienced?
I did chat with one avatar, it was a female character name “RoseBleed.” I usually like to find out where they are from and how old they are but I never find out their name for private purposes. I am the type of person who likes to talk in face to face rather than online. What's limiting me in finding out more about her is the things she likes or what her real personality is like.

7.What is the basis of the economy of your selected world? Give some concrete examples of ways your avatar participates in that economy.

In YoVille, there is a factory where my avatar works to gain points and money to use and spend; also interacting with other avatars and play games, they do too receive points. Fishing is also another way to obtain points and boost my avatar's economy.

8. Identify your favorite in-world activity and why it was your favorite.

I like to attend the events because I get to meet new avatars and the players participating. Also, buying furniture to furnish the avatar's apartment so it can look good as well.

9. How do in-world objects tell you how to operate them and/or aid in that operation?

When my arrow key is over an icon or text-based interface on Yoville, it will clearly state what it is and will show its glow around the icons, etc. If its glowed it is enable to do this or that for the avatar if you click on it, otherwise there isn't any action.

10. Identify 1 aspect of your selected world that relates directly to the HOH-Agency Chapter and explain how.

From the HOH-Agency Chapter, I found one aspect that is related to YoVille. On page 9, “Games as a Symbolic Drama” it briefly describes YoVille in a way that when I was reading that particular article, it makes everything sensible. Yes in relations to the article, Yoville is still a confusing game and hard to adjust in playing it; especially on the financial issue, as well as taking risks in chatting with other players perhaps having information be leaked out. For the most part, I just have to work at the factory for money and it doesn't need personal duties like taking a bath or brush its teeth.

Active Research Part 3: Virtual World

Part 3.
At this social event called “Party for Freaks,” located in a category called “Parties & Music” is a place where I got to meet new people and happen to see Mimi (Diana Vargas, who is also in DAI 227) there as well. Besides this event, I attended other places; in the games category, it was rare to hear music playing in the background and less interaction from other players unlike in the Parties & Music section. From what I saw in the Games section from many different events under it, I saw a few players attending but little to no communication. In the Party for Freaks event, it was a full room and I was lucky enough to attend it. Many players attended and saw some vulgar and not so vulgar statements made among other players. I did happen to chat with other players and in average, most of them were men in the 10s-20s range, a few were in their 40s as well. In other categories (of which I forgot which one it was) it was somewhat a dead party, but I did manage to actually talk to the host of the event and I gave her gift for she was also new to YoVille like myself.

In this picture above, I was attending the Venting event session. With this session, the main topic was about love. One girl started confessing about having problems with her boyfriend and it eventually lead to the topic of love and marriage. Surrounding the room are players who are listening in and give advice to those who need it. The walls are green with plants on the far left wall and the seating arrangement is then on the opposite wall on the right; also it had no background music to assist the event. Overall the place was very simple and straightforward event. In the end I asked to break the topic on love, "So, why YoVille? What attracted you to play with it?" Only one had replied to my answer and her answer was because her friend needed a "crew member" on yoville and eventually been addicted to it; playing on it almost everyday.

On this picture, I attended a party called “Pinoy Party” and this is where most if not all Filipinos have joined in with other Filipinos for a party. The interaction with other players was about getting to know each other, though a few knew each other already. The hosted player tells everyone to come in and enjoy the party. The decoration of the party was of a club-like scene. It had upbeat music playing in the background and party lights and stage was available for those who wants to dance. There were plenty of seats near the living room/stage and food and drinks for everyone in the kitchen.

Active Research Part 1 & 2 Virtual Worlds

Part 1.
This online virtual game, YoVille is hosted by Zynga, a San Francisco based company and it is design to be played by users who have Facebook, Myspace and Tagged. YoVille is designed to personally fit your taste of what life you always wanted and cannot get in reality. Players from around the world come to it live and spend just like themselves and less restrictions on what they want when earned from working. Lola is a female character who has been dressed and looks similar to who I am.

Part 2.
For a living, she works at a factory; and when she has earned enough yoville money, she can casually spend on things she wants and needs. For example, clothes, furniture to decorate her apartment, buy herself another estate, etc. Her life story is something to similar to my life; the only difference is that she gets to spend on stuff that even in my whole life, cannot afford to. I know when she is in her own virtual world, she is very energetic and likes to meet new people. Now that she has a her own apartment, just like myself, I'd like to really own one and decorate it with things I'd like to have in my place and eventually Lola will also do the same.

Week 2 Exercise pt. 1

Throughout my lifetime, I've been surrounded the early makings of technology. From computers to iPods, nowadays everything and eventually our lives will be taken over digitally.

Currently, I own, two apple computers, one desktop and one laptop, a cell phone and a digital camera. My two apple computers and my cell phone contains music, lecture based audio, pictures and important documents/projects. Most, if not, all of my files are organized in a way that will help find them in the future. Creating folders in computers and nowadays cellphones has helped me be organized. Also, I use my cellphone as an alarm and I can choose the way I can be alarmed (i.e. vibration mode, mp3 mode, or both) either as a my alarm to wake up or when events or important dates coming up soon. I don't watch TV much, unless there's a particular show I want to watch and keep up with it, especially if its a seasonal show, so I just use the internet to catch up and now the TV.

My life with technology has never been this easier than what my mother or my grandparents had went through. All of them are still in the analog mode, but slowly, technology have been creeping up on them. My mom now has a cell phone for emergency/work purposes and tends to watch TV more because of its dramas via digital cable. Its the same for my grandparents; they know how to answer house phone calls and watching TV is a daily thing for them. My grandfather in particular, always wakes up at 5AM, turns on the TV to the news and also reads the newspaper that come daily in front of our house.