Feedback loops are a very interesting construction. For the most part a lot of have a feel of ubiquitous computing, not that they are so integrating into our lives that we don’t notice them, but they are integrated in a way, that we don’t analysis them. The seep “meter” for example. I would argue that now we sort of expect that as part of the modern construction of roads and highways. They exist in quantity and they have become something of an expectation.
I found it extremely interesting that in discussing the different stages of a feedback loop the author stated that the information must be given back to the “user/viewer” in an emotionally resonant way. I absolutely agree with this. However before I actually set down to think and reflect on the idea of feedback loops. If I looked at one of those “speed meter” signs I would not be prompted to say “well look at that, the fact that its telling me I’ll going 50 in a 25mph school zone is very emotionally resonant.”
Also the fact that the author states that the feedback loop should create this moment or provided the opportunity for “a clear moment when an individual can recalibrate a behavior, make a choice, and act.”
This is a very specific intent that the feedback loop is supposed to feel again that in the surface may not be immediately recognized, save on some of the energy consumption feedback loops, where the intent is a lot more obvious.
“enchanted objects beguile us into action” I not sure I definitely agree.
The essays about mash-ups were definitely more informative them anything.
“The primary purpose of most Web mashups is to consolidate information with an easy-to-use interface. Because the combinations of Web applications are limitless, so are the possibilities of mashups…we can always use new tools that help make information easier to find!” This speaks to the true usefulness of web mashups.
But I guess the idea of mash-ups is still new in the fact that better access to information is still for the most part closed off by third parties so the act of creating a successfully functioning mash-up is still pretty difficult and definitely becomes wrapped in red tape when an individual tries to begin to make money off of a site that he “creates” by re-appropriating information from other sites.
And the articles point out that there are still big technical difficulties as well in the creation of mash-ups. Yes goggle has made its map API available and welcomed developers to mash up sites but other data holders have not.
“In practice most systems, wether software of hardware are constructed from pre existing components, code libraries, integrated circuits, and mechanical subassemblies.” This is very interesting as well, and probably holds negative and positive effects. The big question that comes to mind when processing this information is credit. When does something become your own creation and product when starting from someone else’s base. How many changes does it take for the appropriated thing to manifest into something new?
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