Jensen (1998) describes interactivity as a buzzword or media studies blind spot, that does not have a certain definition. Many media scientists have tried to define the meaning of the term but none have actually found the most accurate definition. Therefore I can not say that I will provide my own definition for the term but I will try to describe interactivity as I perceive it based on my short period of IMKE studies.
One reason why interactivity can not be very easily defined can be that the technology is developing so rapidly and the characteristics that once could describe interactivity change daily. With the development of user interfaces and innovations in the ways users interact with the technology, there is no possibility to come up with a solid definition of interactivity, which would be feasible through time. Therefore I would agree with Jensen that interactivity is a continuum which changes and develops through time.
As I said in one of my earlier posts I am fascinated by the statement that face-to-face communication is the ideal way of interaction (Jensen, 1998). This type of communication demands full attention and usage of all the senses from both participants. The communication is natural and at the same time a big part of communication goes on through body language, tone of voice or usage of words. This kind of natural interactivity and user interface is in my opinion what every technology, software and users are reaching for.
While trying to reach for the ideal interactivity, the path getting there is quite interesting. Technology and software developers try to think of new ways of human-computer interactions to make the communication between humans and machines more natural and easy. At the same time the ways and for what people use computers are different. The ways of communication are affected by the cultural and social environments of the users. People perceive things differently, therefore it is hard to develop a coherent user interface for everyone.
This again proves that interactivity can not be solidly defined, but rather is a continuum, developing, improving and changing every day.
No comments:
Post a Comment