To Do:
Add to site: Information,Tutorials pages
News Feed
create logo
add Gantt chart to timeline
Fix small browser issues
Post updates to pool
Text based proposal update
Monday, December 17, 2007
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Update
The pool has been updated with version 2.0 of the approach and now has a link to the functioning website in its infant stages. I plan on adding pages over break as well as updating my text based proposal.
Presentations
On Monday of this week we presented to the faculty and class our projects before going away on Christmas break. I presented on my new website idea and showed of the site in its early stages and featured a powerpoint presentation to go with it.
Sunday, December 2, 2007
Note
On a side note I still plan on making improvements to my original idea of creating a heating device that works with the users keyboard. I will post blueprints and design specifications on this new site and plan to see where I can push this idea as well throughout second semester.
Updated Idea Generated
I've come out with change to my project from its original idea. I've done plenty as far as the research aspect of carpal tunnel goes and I'm planning on creating an ergo workstation all in one help site. I've invisioned users being able to log in a take a multiple choice test that scores them on various aspects of computer workstation useage and grades them based apon the results. When the user is finished the site will direct them towards an interactive and fact generated tutorial on how they can improve that particular aspect of workstation safety that is flawed. I also would like to have a forums posting section where people can leave posts on topics they are interested in and people will be able to respond. There will be an information section of C.T. and R.S.I. as well links to products and sites were people can recieve additional help. I've invisioned this site as being an all in one inclusive site where computer users alike can recieve valuable information on improvements in ergonomics and workstation safe care. More to come...
Sunday, November 11, 2007
Computer Free Capstone Post
I think that when preparing your capstone project during the final stages of its development, it does help to have these common forms of media, such as: websites, slideshows, videos, etc. Although not having these tools to help get your project's word out, doesn't mean that you can't do other things to help get it attention.
For example, concerning my project, I could go into the field (office workplace environments) and conduct surveys of computer users who work extensively with word processing or any other hands on positions and ask them what they think of my project. Do you see yourself using a product like this? What aspects of this project do you prefer and what could be improved? These would all be valid questions you could ask to these people. With their help you could not only get the word out about your idea but you would also to be able to find out valuable information from the people that would most likely be using your product in the future.
For example, concerning my project, I could go into the field (office workplace environments) and conduct surveys of computer users who work extensively with word processing or any other hands on positions and ask them what they think of my project. Do you see yourself using a product like this? What aspects of this project do you prefer and what could be improved? These would all be valid questions you could ask to these people. With their help you could not only get the word out about your idea but you would also to be able to find out valuable information from the people that would most likely be using your product in the future.
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Sunday, October 7, 2007
Manovich, Crosbie, Jenkins and New Media
Notes from class: Monday, October 2, 2007
Lev Manovich and the definition of New Media from "The Language of New Media" talks about:
1.) Numeric Representation
2.) Modularity
3.) Automation
4.) Variability
5). Transcoding
Vin Crosbie uses the Medium Vs. Vehicle model for New Media.
Land, Water, Air Examples
1 - 1 (Conversation)
1 - Many (Broadcast, magazine/newspaper)
Many - Many (Video Conf. Website, etc.)
Henry Jenkins considers New Media to have 8 specific traits:
1.) Innovation
2.) Convergence
3.) Everyday Useage
4.) Appropriativeness
5.) Networking
6.) Global Aspects
7.) Generational
8.) Unequal
Lev Manovich and the definition of New Media from "The Language of New Media" talks about:
1.) Numeric Representation
2.) Modularity
3.) Automation
4.) Variability
5). Transcoding
Vin Crosbie uses the Medium Vs. Vehicle model for New Media.
Land, Water, Air Examples
1 - 1 (Conversation)
1 - Many (Broadcast, magazine/newspaper)
Many - Many (Video Conf. Website, etc.)
Henry Jenkins considers New Media to have 8 specific traits:
1.) Innovation
2.) Convergence
3.) Everyday Useage
4.) Appropriativeness
5.) Networking
6.) Global Aspects
7.) Generational
8.) Unequal
Definition of New Media Assignment
This is a question we have been asked alot over four years of time and last year in New Media 206, Project Design Lab I, I came up with a definition that I think works to an extent in trying to pin point what this major is all about. Here is what I came I have come up with so far:
A firm and concrete definition of what actually "New Media" is, is hard to lock into place because New Media is a subject that continues to develop by leaps and bounds what seems like to me almost daily. New Media allows me to dive into an experience of fields in: technology, design, theory, and at the same time allows you to explore new and different types of information and creative systems. To suggest an idea that propagates through culture is considered to be a "meme". The way a gene propagates through a biological populatin, or the way a "rhizome" root structure always seems to survive, New Media and the spread of information is to me considered to work very similarly. New Media creates a path that allows you to express yourself and give you a chance to make an impact through creative and innovative technological means. This goes hand in with what Vin Crosbie speaks of in his "Medium vs. Vehicle" model of New Media.
A firm and concrete definition of what actually "New Media" is, is hard to lock into place because New Media is a subject that continues to develop by leaps and bounds what seems like to me almost daily. New Media allows me to dive into an experience of fields in: technology, design, theory, and at the same time allows you to explore new and different types of information and creative systems. To suggest an idea that propagates through culture is considered to be a "meme". The way a gene propagates through a biological populatin, or the way a "rhizome" root structure always seems to survive, New Media and the spread of information is to me considered to work very similarly. New Media creates a path that allows you to express yourself and give you a chance to make an impact through creative and innovative technological means. This goes hand in with what Vin Crosbie speaks of in his "Medium vs. Vehicle" model of New Media.
Heat Inside
I have yet to find on the web to any success the creation or implementation of heated gel within a computer keyboard wrist wrest. A big factor in the situation with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome prevention and treatment is keeping your wrist comfortable and warm to prevent stiffness and or numbness/tingling. With my product I am proposing to create for capstone, I hope to use a heating element with sensor that will allow the user to adjust a temperature setting to his/her own personal preference along with a sort of memory foam/gel concentrate to allow for a more productive sitting. With all the research I have done it seems like heat is a critical factor, but no known devices or companies have this factor implementated in any of their products
Treatment and Prevention (Part I)
Important Points:
1.) Reduce your force and relax your grip.
2.) Take frequent breaks, every 15 to 20 minutes it is recomended that you stretch hands a wrist, especially during long sessions of computer useage.
3.) Watch your form, avoid bending your wrists all the way up or down, find a postion that is relaxing for you and keep your hands level.
4.) Keep hands warm to avoid stiffness and make sure you are seated with correct posture.
1.) Reduce your force and relax your grip.
2.) Take frequent breaks, every 15 to 20 minutes it is recomended that you stretch hands a wrist, especially during long sessions of computer useage.
3.) Watch your form, avoid bending your wrists all the way up or down, find a postion that is relaxing for you and keep your hands level.
4.) Keep hands warm to avoid stiffness and make sure you are seated with correct posture.
Carpel Devices to Help (Gloves)
An ergonomic glove made by IMAK Products called the "Smart Glove" uses a removable splint to keep the wrist in proper position while you are typing at your computer. Inside the glove is a system of "ergoBeads used to massage teh area underneath the wrist which helps keep blood circulating and helps promote healthy muscle tissue.
For more information visit: www.imakproducts.com
New Keyboards
Featured here are different types of designs for new computer keyboards used to combat the effects of Carpel Tunnel Syndrome
Dvorak Keyboard
Patented formation of keys created in 1936 by Dr. August Dvorak of the University of Washington Seattle, used to combat the standard "QWERTY" layout most commonly used today. The computer key structure itself was generated as a way to access the more readily used keys easier. This format is used especially by computer programmers and other jobs where extensive computer useage is required.
Sunday, September 23, 2007
Fact Sheet on Carpel Tunnel Syndrome
> Occurs when the median nerve, running from the forearm into the hand, is squeezed or becomes pressed at the wrist.
> This nerve controls sensations to the palm side of the thumb and fingers as well as impulses to some small muscles.
> Signs of injury can be: weakness, numbness in the hand or wrist area, burning or tingling, itching in the palm, decrease in grip strength, some can not distigush between hot and cold touch in severe cases.
> Trauma and injury to the wrist causing swelling and in some cases fracture, can also lead to the disorder, not just high useage infront of the computer.
Idea Generated
I plan on creating a device that will help fight against the debilitating effects many computer users know as Carpel Tunnel Syndrome. The device fits in front of the users keyboard in a comfortable and ergonomical position and uses a heating element (set to different settings based upon personal preference) combined with gel/memory foam to help keep the users wrists in a proper and comfortable position during long sessions of useage. Also an adaptation of the keys on the keyboard will be implemented to make the users computer experience vastly different and more profitable.
Sunday, September 16, 2007
New Media Capstone Blog Started
The first NMD 498 002 Practicum in New Media I Blog has been initiated. I will be posting here periodically to keep you all updated with the status of my senior year capstone.
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