TASK 10:  Brian

Task 10 was quite entertaining.   I decided to investigate the connections I had to Brian’s experience completing this task.  Both of us found it very frustrating…as did everyone that attempted User Inyerface.  We also had a similar analysis of the manipulative nature of the design interfaces.  For instance, we both drew attention to the clock, and how it can add pressure to consumers making purchases, although he also added an important observation that timers are also an intentional design strategy to capture and hold attention.   

Where our tasks diverged was the time it took him to complete the game.  I struggled through and had to complete several of the pages multiple times…in total it took me over 17 minutes.  Brian, on the other hand, described the same emotions of annoyance and frustration, yet his torture only lasted just over 4 minutes.  This was interesting to me, because if it had only taken me 4 minutes to complete this task I think I would have had a different reaction.   I don’t know if I would have focused on it being so frustrating, which goes to show this is very much a matter of perspective. It is worth noting, however, that Brian’s experience was much closer to the rest of the class than mine.  I might take the prize for slowest time!  

Unrelated to the specific experience of completing this task, what I feel represents our closest link is the way we approach our posts, which is to write in a more formal style.  I often question if this is the best strategy for this platform, but I felt Brian’s analysis was very effective.  It had a clear structure and was organized very much like a formal piece of writing.  He had 4 main points of analysis, and each one focused on a different observation related to the game interface.  While I can’t say I write as effectively, I do tend to approach these posts in a similar way.  I’m not sure if that’s because I have very little experience writing blogs, or even following them for that matter.  Regardless of the reason, I tend to adopt a more formal, analytical style of writing.  I think if I had more experience blogging I would approach these tasks in a different way.  I am so impressed by the storytelling talent of many of my peers, and it is clear how comfortable individuals are sharing their ideas in a digital setting. Brian’s post highlights there are many ways to approach writing in a digital setting, and sometimes they can also provide insights into the individual.