zweig.hw10

Related Links:
	Atlas Program

	Center for LifeLong Learning and Design

	Computer Science Department

	Institute of Cognitive Science

	College of Architecture and Planning

	University of Colorado at Boulder

Scott Zweig

Homework 10

3/3/04

Briefly discuss the following issues:

1. what do you consider the main argument of the article?

The main message here is that we need to design tools in a way where the user/consumer can actively contribute input and ideas. The current situation is that most media tools are developed by a skilled occupational designer in a particular field only to be used on the most basic level by consumers. Nothing is static in our society and humans need to express themselves so as to engage in activities that are personally meaningful to them. People don't want to just sit back and watch things happen, they want to be a part of the action.

2. do you agree or disagree with the main argument? give a answer based on your own experiences?

3. enumerate in which situations

3.1 you acted as a designer/active contributor

In my GEEN 1500 class ("Lego Robots"), I work three times a week as a designer in a robot building team. There are three of us in the team and we work together to accomplish various milestones throughout the building process. First we built the electronic circuitry, then we developed a design for our robot. Once we got it built, our next task was to make it move, using motors, gears and a C++ complier program .All three of us had to work as active contributors in order to get any of this done. Although there are three members of the group, the amount of 'real work' is not divided up evenly, me and the other guy do most of the work with the robot while our other teammate works on the computer writing up reports and doing nothing.

3.2 you acted as a (passive) consumer

I suppose each time I sit down and turn on the TV I am acting as a 'passive consumer.' However, in certain situations it is nice to be passive, like after a long day at work or skiing the slopes. When you are tired its ok to relax and passively consume what is around you.

3.3 situations in which you believe you should have acted differently

As I mentioned before, every time I watch TV I am acting passive by just sitting there and watching. I wish that I could watch television and play a more active role. For example, if I was watching a sporting event I would want to help commentate or call the play-by-play. If only the television was a two way device, then maybe we wouldn't raising a couch potato culture.