Mark Magnussons
Articles by Mark Magnussons
What to Expect From The Websites of Tomorrow?
In order to build the perfect website for your business today, you should look into the web design trends of the future. And as with any development in the IT world, the future is just around the corner! The first fundament you will need to consider is the "mobile first" approach. In 2015, the global amount of those people accessing the WWW via a mobile device overtook those surfing from their desktops. As a result, web designers and marketing agencies changed their tactics from mobile-friendly to mobile-first websites. Not the desktop sets the standards for the design of the site, but mobile devices, like smartphones and tablet computers. Designers first create a "small" version of the website and then convert the lay out and navigation to the big desktops screens. At a first glance, this might look like a step back for the companies presenting their products or services on the internet, but this approach is actually positive. They can only showcase the essence of their core content, making it clearer for the user and thus more effective. Responsive web design – key feature of any modern website Today, any website without the ability to react to the demands of the individual end-device (smartphone, tablet, or desktop) is bound to fail.In 2017, RWD becomes even more pivotal! In April 2015, Google has already introduced a new algorithm which favours mobile optimized websites. Together with the knowledge that nowadays most users access the web via their mobile devices, companies who sell products or offer services over their website simply cannot ignore RWD. A great example for a company running a business that is exclusively internet-based is one of America's most renowned DNA testing company. You can examine your DNA and order your 23andme kit from their mobile device or their desktop. RWD of the future goes beyond the ability of a website to react to the individual end device: it also reacts to the individual user! Age-responsive design: adapting content from 6 to 80+ Making a website which automatically reacts to the individual age of the user still sounds like science fiction. But it is already happening! Big Data and the ability to use this massive amount of digital information makes this development possible. Websites in 2017 will be able to adjust structure, layout, and content to a wide range of ages. Which is great, as the needs and the demands of a six-year-old are light years apart from those of a person who is 80 and older! Just as an example: Navigation menus will expand or be reduced according to the age of the user. The font size will automatically increase to make reading easier for elderly people. The colour schemes of the website will change with the individual age – from funky wild to more subtle and relaxed. Websites for the Non-ideal User! "Failure mapping" describes a practice for creating the UX (user experience) of websites. When designing a site, user flows and journey maps provide the basic framework for understanding user touch-points across the full cycle of interactions with a product or service. So far, these focused on the ideal user in terms of age, income and so on. But keeping in mind that by 2017 more than half of the world's population is going online, designers need to consider all those non-ideal users surfing the web. Thanks to failure mapping, web designers are able to build websites which can handle incorrect usage of products and services from elderly people or the gigantic and still internet-unexperienced population of the "Global South" (Africa, Latin America and most of Asia). De-Linearity Apps and Website Usage Keep it simple! This was and still is the design fundament of apps. If you look at the taxi service "Uber" for instance, the app will lead you through the process of hiring a driver with just a few very simple steps. Set the pick up, get the estimated time of arrival, pay the service, and rate your experience. But although they are very easy to use, these apps put the user on fixed rails which leaves the fun part of the UX totally out of the picture. More and more users do not want to be herded like sheep from one screen to the next, but interactively be part of the process. The De-Linearity approach addresses this demand and is one of the key web& app design trends in 2017. It honour the intelligence of the user and provides more than one navigation path through the process. These are just some of many new and upcoming web design and RWD trends for 2017. As a matter of fact: We can look forward to some fantastic developments in UX.
The Difference Between a Wired and Wireless Mouse
Like so many things in life, this one is a matter of personal choice. It is a long-running and contentious debate for engineers, technology buffs and computer users alike. There are valid scientific arguments raised by both sides of course, and we'll be outlining some of those in our answer, but ultimately, as we shall see, it all comes down to your individual preference. What is the Different between Wired and Wireless Mouse? Proponents of the wireless mouse say that although the response time is a little less impressive, the lack of a cable getting tangled up behind your desk is a definite plus. They also say that a wireless mouse is the model of the future, so purchasing one does encourage engineers to improve on the design. Wireless mice are easier to use with smaller, more portable devices and also take up much less space on your desk. If you ever find yourself having to pull the cable out from under your computer mouse whilst surfing the net or gaming, you'll appreciate the sentiment here. Conversely, supporters of the wired mouse say that the wireless models are significantly slower and less sensitive than their wireless equivalents. They also argue that it costs extra money in terms of both purchase and maintenance (changing the batteries is a regular expense that most of us could do without). In addition, a wireless mouse that needs a battery change will sometimes drift or become annoyingly unresponsive. It is also worth noting that batteries are not commonly recycled, which leads them to be thrown away, never good for the environment. Both mice suffer from the same problems, as well. Common technical faults with mice (e.g.: bad tracking, low sensitivity or simply stopping mid-function) are apparent in both models, so neither one has the upper hand on the other there. Technology is improving rapidly and it does seem entirely possible that wired mice could be placed on the endangered species list at some point in the foreseeable future Gamers and computer users who employ specialist software (e.g. video editing, music production, animation) usually prefer to use a wired mouse, as it is specific, precise and low maintenance. However, there are still those gamers and specialists who swear by wireless as the way forward. Wireless devices are being produced in vast quantities and it is feasibly conceivable that one day in the near future computers will be designed with no input ports whatsoever, so the futurists who stand by the wireless mouse do have a point there. Basically, a wired mouse is a little bit faster and more responsive. It is a cheaper, more practical option for the everyday computer user. On the other hand, a wireless mouse is a bit flashier and has complete freedom to move over your desk at will. The difference in tracking and sensitivity isn't that glaring and these mice are very obviously the blueprints for the peripherals of the future. Weighing up both sides of the argument, we can probably extrapolate which model is the right one for you, however. If you're a gadget fan and you just have to have the newest and coolest things around, or if you only have basic computer needs (checking your emails, using Word, Excel etc) and don't use any precise software, or if you want to get used to wireless peripherals now before they become industry standard, then a wireless mouse is for you. Certain companies in the medical fields such as NHS heroes use wireless as a standard because of the ease of use. However, if you aren't fussed about all the trendy mumbo jumbo and just want a reliable peripheral, or if you use specialist software that requires delicate mouse work, or if you want to expend less money and energy, then get a wired mouse. At the moment, it really is that simple. Final Thoughts Looking forward, however, the future seems to belong to the wireless and gaming mouse. Even some of the most ardent supporters of the wired mouse acknowledge this likelihood. Technology is improving rapidly and it does seem entirely possible that wired mice could be placed on the endangered species list at some point in the foreseeable future, - that's just how it goes with technology. For now at least, the wired mouse is safe and sound, with nothing to challenge its supremacy except a young upstart that isn't quite there yet. As the debate rages on, we'll be there to keep you posted on the news, dispatches and petty name calling that is sure to occur. Until then, buy with confidence and make sure you get the right mouse for you. Remember, you're probably going to use it every day, so you might as well find one that you like.