David Merrill demos Siftables
This lecture started off interesting, but got much better as the presenter delved deeper into the technical capabilities of these motion-sensing digital domino-like devices. The siftables are basically just small square computers with motion sensors and infrared monitors built into them. Each computer talks to the other computers to create an environment conducive to interacting computing. Specifically, the purpose was to help manipulate digital information using newer, more efficient, and more user-friendly interfaces. From utilizing motion and light sensors to “mix” digital colours to new means of approaching song creation, these little computers open up interesting possibilities for future computer interfaces that are better designed to facilitate motion as the primary means of interaction with digital media through computers. Basically, we want to be able to tell what computers do in the quickest, most efficient manner available. These little trinkets look like they will contribute to advancing the ergonomics of digital interfaces and their efficacy in providing users with intuitive designs and easy use.
http://www.ted.com/talks/lang/eng/ken_robinson_says_schools_kill_creativity.html
Ken Robinson says schools kill creativity
I recalled thinking fondly of the previous lecture we heard by Ken Robinson on education so I approached this lecture hoping to hear some greater depth on the matter. Unfortunately, the 20 minute video was probably a solid 10-12 minutes of random jokes, audience banter/pandering, and tangents, none of which added anything to the actual presentation on the importance of creativity in education. Robinson’s rail against the established hierarchy of studies and established approach to modern “education” falls on my friendly ears, but I would have enjoyed the lecture much more had it remained far more focused and pointed and structured with some type of visual aid to help communicate the idea. I liked Robinson’s three-point definition of intelligence as varied, dynamic, and distinct – I think that shows a good, well-rounded understanding of an individual’s analytical abilities. And as always, I found myself agreeing with his closing call to rediscover the richness of human capacity in order to being servicing a new fundamental approach to education.
http://www.ted.com/talks/jeff_han_demos_his_breakthrough_touchscreen.htmlJeff Jan demos his breakthrough touchscreen
I enjoyed this presentation for many of the same reasons I liked the siftables talk: the speaker concentrated his efforts on communicating how the advanced touch screen serves to create a user-friendlier interface. The multi-point contact touch screen seems to be the new way of introducing and understanding a more intuitive approach to computing, as opposed to trimming down the size and price of modern point-and-click systems. The speaker isn’t nearly as engaging as Ken Robinson, but delivers an amiable presentation with passion. It is also nice to hear him remark on the nature of the future of such interface technologies; too often people don’t keep pace with their inventiveness and new ideas and technology can be hampered by non-friendly user accessibility. The approach to how we use technology is just as important as its utility.
