Month: July 2024

I tried numerous prompts on the Craiyon website but struggled to find images that I could connect with. The only image that resonated with me was the one generated for the following prompt.

Prompt: A superhero team composed of members from different racial backgrounds.

The image generated by the Craiyon text-to-image website portrays a superhero team consisting of four individuals. The team includes three characters who seem to have lighter skin tones and one character of darker skin tone.

Upon examining the image, it can be noted that the image somehow can highlight the insufficient representation of individuals from various ethnic backgrounds, particularly those of Middle Eastern and Asian descent, in superhero media.

It also can be inferred that the image composition indicates a predominant representation of characters with lighter skin colours, with only one character with darker skin colour included in a minimal and often tokenistic manner rather than embracing a more inclusive and varied portrayal.

From the outset, the User Interface Game uses misleading buttons and links. For example, the “No” confuses the user and manipulates them into making unintended choices.

The game deliberately obscures straightforward navigation paths, forcing users to click through multiple misleading or irrelevant screens to find the desired action. This obstruction technique frustrates users and manipulates their behavior through sheer exhaustion and confusion.

The User Interface employs tactics that lead users to make errors deliberately. For instance, input fields may have unconventional formats or counterintuitive requirements, resulting in frequent errors that prolong the process.

Despite my best efforts, I was unable to complete the User Interface Game due to the intentionally obstructive design elements that prevented progress. This frustration mirrors the real-world experiences of users who encounter dark patterns in everyday digital interactions.

The User Interface Game exemplifies the dark patterns, coined by Brignull (2011), with its deceptive user interface designs that trick users into actions they would not normally choose, exploiting cognitive biases and heuristics. It includes bait and switch tactics, where options deceive users about their real function. It also employs forced continuity strategies Brignull (2011), which simplifies sign-up but complicates cancellation. These manipulative techniques often lead users to take actions detrimental to their interests.

Brignull, H. (2011). Dark patterns: Deception vs. honesty in UI design. A List Apart, 338.

Navigating the Palladio platform took some time, as it required familiarizing myself with its various features, understanding the interface, and learning how to effectively use its tools.

Examining the groupings within the platform’s facets, I found myself in group #0 alongside Joti Sing, Kristjana Young, and Chan Mi Lim. I shared three tracks in common with all of my three peers, and two tracks each with Kristjana Young and Chan Mi Lim.

Based on the table of the data, Track 16: Rite of Spring (Sacrificial Dance) and Track 5: Morning Star Devil Bird from my selections were the most frequently selected tracks by my peers, chosen 16 and 13 times, respectively. The least selected record was Track 5: Morning Star Devil Bird. It was chosen only five times.

I have attempted to reread my peers’ task 8 posts to uncover their rationale for selecting the recordings. However, it has not been feasible to discern the reasons behind their choices without access to data that is not in our reach in this task.

Having familiarized myself with all 27 pieces of music on the Golden Record, I have chosen the following 10 musical pieces from it:

1. Java, court gamelan, “Kinds of Flowers,” recorded by Robert Brown. 4:43
2. Australia, Aborigine songs, “Morning Star” and “Devil Bird,” recorded by Sandra LeBrun Holmes. 1:26
3. Mozart, The Magic Flute, Queen of the Night aria, no. 14. Edda Moser, soprano. Bavarian State Opera, Munich, Wolfgang Sawallisch, conductor. 2:55
4. Peru, panpipes and drum, collected by Casa de la Cultura, Lima. 0:52
5. Stravinsky, Rite of Spring, Sacrificial Dance, Columbia Symphony Orchestra, Igor Stravinsky, conductor. 4:35
6. China, ch’in, “Flowing Streams,” performed by Kuan P’ing-hu. 7:37
7. “Dark Was the Night,” written and performed by Blind Willie Johnson. 3:15
8. Azerbaijan S.S.R., bagpipes, recorded by Radio Moscow. 2:30
9. Japan, shakuhachi, “Tsuru No Sugomori” (“Crane’s Nest,”) performed by Goro Yamaguchi. 4:51
10. “Melancholy Blues,” performed by Louis Armstrong and his Hot Seven. 3:05

I considered cultural and musical significance of each piece of the music that I selected. Ensuring a diverse representation of different cultures, time periods, and musical styles was crucial for me. This helped to provide a broad and inclusive representation from different parts of the world. I also assessed the emotional impact of each piece, considering how it might resonate with listeners from diverse backgrounds. Pieces that could evoke strong emotions or tell compelling stories were given higher priority.