Computer Use is the New Media Reader of Contemporary Society - Book Report/Review Example

A Project Report Critique The group project topic report, as presented by Team 6, this through their appropriately named ‘Technological and Media Determinism’ website page in their project on a Google Applications Website, aims at presenting their ideal that ‘Computer Use is the New Media Reader of contemporary Society.’ Following the fundamentals as espoused by among others Marshall McLuhan, Fernando Flores, Langdon Winner, Raymond Williams and Terry Winograd, the report article focused on the conceptualization that ‘Design as an action was an ontological progression.’ That a society’s past information and experiences often shape both the present and future, thus as Man has progressed through civilization, so has his means/ mode and ways of communication. In the contemporary arena, a perfect example of the aforementioned would be the visible utility of computer technology and tools. The team furthers that through the creation of useful tools, it is such implements which influence future perceptions[McL67]. As pertaining to ‘computer design’, the fundamental goal is to create an extension of Humanity based on the ideals and values which Mankind is already in possession of. A ‘keyboard’ fits perfectly into the exemplification of the aforementioned as it aids in enabling users type easily, in a vocabulary that is familiar to them, their thoughts without much thought to the complicated system that enables such activities. Fundamentally, it is the larger picture, global dynamism, which is catalyzed by the presence of new devices being invented; and furtherance as to their overall future effects and impacts on global ideals and perspectives. When in the arena of Information Technology, and specifically ‘computer design and assembly’, it is fundamental to be knowledgeable on McLuhan’s Law of Media. This pertains to a variant of specifications, as pertaining to a form of media. Computers in general have not only enhanced Man’s lifestyle and comfort, but also his productivity. The primary question in the selection of a utility tool/ instrument, pertains to intention, is it or is it not ‘user friendly?’ Furtherance, is a variant of uses or advantages in utilizing such an instrument/ tool?[McL67]. From enhancing information flow and facilitating communication, computers have initiated an ‘efficiency’, which has reduced time and resource consumption. In the contemporary arena, without the aid of computers, Man is left uninformed, lacking communication and vitally, retaining his interconnectivity with the rest of the global arena. Through similar process information and interpretation, the computer acts as an extension of the human brain when it receives, then processes and encodes, and later retrieves such information/ data. The Sacre Project, a display of many scenes, superficially costumed and lighted to depict humanistic scenarios through great color illumination and display, in addition to costume diversity and scene-enhancing performance is correspondingly described as overlapping the notion of ‘Computer Use’. A fundamental ideal is presented as exemplified by the ‘Sacre Project’, in the ontological process, which while building on existent matter, it also creative of new ones concurrently. A three dimensional display, an interpretation of ‘the Rite of Spring’, it both pays respect to the original work, while being presented in a new manner[McL67]. Through applicable similarities, Computers also possess functions which act as functional human body extensions through the representation of activity in a familiar way/ environment to the end user, the Keyboard being a perfect example. In the ‘Sacre Project’, the aforementioned is espoused through the incorporation of technology into overall choreography. Furtherance is the ability, of the best of technologies designed, to adapt and change to new functions and ideals. Through atypical utility of photography, projection and social media etc, the performance resonates well to the functionality of computer use through its similar utility of the aforementioned facets[McL67]. A fortification of McLuhan’s 1st Law, the ‘Sacre Project’ influences the audience mainly through the two senses of hearing and sight. Through dancer movement and simulation, was the audience’s sense of sight stimulated; the uniqueness and unconventionality actions bringing an intriguing aspect. The aspect of sound was enhanced through sounds made; these through held objects or speech. Similar aspects in computer use solidify McLuhan’s view that – the most important impact of a medium is that which the medium not performing, instead evokes from its audience or user. Through unique conveyance of the project, is the audience’s pleasure, attention and thought best captured similarly so in a user’s interactivity with a computer (computer use).Crucial to note, is the manner in which audiences perceive mediums through the inert senses; key being its way of presentation through attention to all details. Marshall McLuhan’s prominence in matters pertaining to media writings is non-disputable through his enforcement of the notion, the Medium is the Message itself. Through description of the ways in which ‘Media’ extends human capacity/ abilities and the physical body itself, McLuhan extends to the distinction of ‘hot’ from ‘cold’ media. He was to importantly note that culture was diverting towards tribal configurations as a result of contemporary medial transition. This is through the shift in Western Ideals/ thought, as a result of topographic technology, from the initial point of understanding to the current environments as impacted by ‘new/ electric media’. As testament, is the most momentous cultural American fact in the 2nd half of the 20th Century, which witnessed the rise of Television (representative of digital media), over the era of Typography[McL67]. Flores and Winograd, also proponents of ‘ontological design’ and strategically designed human-media interaction, examine the dynamics of human communications. Through this, they are of the opinion that it is a possibility to determine other uses and process changes preferable to existent tools, equipment and technologies to the introduction of novel computer tools. Viewing their approach as the most suitable intervention approach in processes that determine technologies, their approach combines computer science with the notion of cultural critique. This is aimed at not only enhancing better tool/ instrument design and building, but also as an avenue for Man’s self-conscious intervention on a cultural basis. Winograd maintains a central presence on matters pertaining to new media through his advocacy of interdisciplinary approaches. Through the emergence of ‘interaction Design’ which brings more variants of issues to the innovation of new contemporary media, under ontological design. The Readiness-to-Hand, which entails the easier future interaction between Man and computers (machines), being based on a transparency of interactions, is most vital in the design of tool or instruments. It should be noted however that an attempted mimicry of human traits or faculties in unachievable, as only a coupling of interactivity is possible in the interaction of Man with machines. Computer tools too, strive to espouse the above, in their design, make and functionality. The word processing instrument present compliments the overall interaction as a user can operate the paragraphs and words displayed, unaware of the ongoing internal complementary processes; the screen acting as a medium of communication. Through the interface design, transparency in human-machine interaction and communication is enhanced through the presence of special function keys; menus and pointing devices among others. Importantly so, is the present domain designs, from where such activity is both interpreted and generated. With the design of both computer hardware and soft-wares, there is need to anticipate the myriad of occurrences which arise outside standard functionality of such media to provide the best means for both understanding and interacting with them. Through the creation/ invention of tools or instruments, most significant is the aspect of conversation structure change or modification, as opposed to the mechanical avenues or means through which such conversation is carried out[McL67]. In conclusion, computers and computer use, shape future potential actions and their way of conduct, and unlike other tools of common, it is able to provide connectivity to a global equipment network. Thus, computers and their utility espouse interconnectivity too larger communication networks through which contemporary human activity flourishes. Through extension of Human functionality and traits to contemporary machines, computers will among others attain a much-desired sense of connectivity with Man. Work Cited McL67: , (McLuhan 45), McL67: , (McLuhan 56), McL67: , (McLuhan 76), McL67: , (McLuhan 64), McL67: , (McLuhan 79), Read More