Updated Data Visualization

Click here to view full-sized version

This is a revised version of the data visualization I presented in class. The main changes are:
- Use of scale to emphasize the data most useful and important.
- Shortening of text to make it more concise.
- Questions are now on a straight line vs. on a slant as in the previous version.

These were the main points that I remember coming up. But please let me know if you have any other suggestions or ideas for things that could be better or if these changes are successful in making it work better or not.

Data Visualization

Click here for full-sized version

iPad for consuming, not creating

http://www.businessweek.com/innovate/NussbaumOnDesign/archives/2010/04/jeff_jarvis_and_parsons_students_agree_on_ipad--its_for_consuming_media_not_creating_it.html

I actually came across this article a while ago. It talks about how the iPad is primarily for cosuming media and not creating it. Issues mentioned are the lack of a camera, a usb plug, and flash. Things that are in this article considered deal-breakers even for something as simple as blogging.
When I first read this article a couple of weeks ago, I completely agreed and didn't think that was really anything new. To me the iPad seemed like just a fun little device that was more for on-the-go web-browsing and amusement than anything else. Now I wonder if maybe we are jumping to conclusions and not giving it a chance. Maybe it just takes time before people find their different ways of utilizing it. I just came across this article now and since my last blog post was on David Hockney's iPad art, I realized I might be changing my mind on the breadth of opportunities offered by the iPad.

Babies treat social robots as sentient beings

http://www.kurzweilai.net/babies-treat-social-robots-as-sentient-beings

A study was done with babies to see how they would relate to them. After a robot was introduced and the robot was included in a simple children's game, the babies then treated the robot in a way similar to how they treat humans. I think this is interesting  because I think it shows how quickly robots could theoretically be integrated in our society. It would only really take one new generation before having robots around would be perfectly normal and accepted.

iPad Art

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/art/art-features/8066839/David-Hockneys-iPad-art.html

David Hockney is having an exhibit of his iPad art in Paris. The exhibit will feature several iPads mounted on the walls displaying his various sketches created in the app "Brushes". It's cool to see the iPad being used in more interesting ways and for more interesting purposes than just emailing, watching movies, and other entertainment like games, etc. Also, I think it's great to see an someone somewhat older adapting the iPad and using it in place of the older medium, the sketchbook. Hockney describes the iPad as being a great replacement for his sketchbook and that he enjoys the option of sending his pictures out immediately upon finishing them, I think the quality of the picture is also very interesting, since it is "painted" with his thumb, it is like a completely new technique and creates a new sort of style.

New Poll

Amazon to Launch Kindle Singles e-books

http://www.kurzweilai.net/amazon-to-launch-kindle-singles-e-books

Amazon announced that they will be launching a new type of "book" called Kindle Singles. These are books that are ca. 30 to 90 pages in length, equivalent to a couple of chapters of regular books.
If I understand correctly they mean they will be looking especially for any articles, stories, etc. that fit this length description. To me this seems like they are just looking at catering to people who will spend more in the long run if each single purchase is of a lower price (the Singles would be significantly cheaper than regular books) and to people who are getting used to reading less and less due to the internet. This also pertains to my last blog entry on a new book discussing how the internet is changing how our brain functions. We are getting more and more accustomed to always only taking in small pieces of information and reading lots of little different short tidbits and skimming many articles quickly and shallow. Basically, I guess I'd have to say that I do not like where this development is going. If even things that are being marketed as books are being altered to fit our "internet brains", then the demise of books really doesn't seem very far off at all anymore.