Ignoring Information Needs. ... [Bloug]

The comments of  Louis Rosenfeld concerning this research were insightful and kind. The information needs of the test subjects were ignored. The authors treat the presentation architecture and age as variables in a vacuum. The paper in question does not reveal the degree of familiarity of the product to the subjects. Were the products evaluated more likely to be used by the young people, the research staff, or the older subjects? Comparing the web experience of these two very small, disparate groups is astonishing. Statistical significance? Besides age, the educational and social-economic chasm between these two groups is huge. Ignoring the role of information needs in the design of this study is regrettable. However, so is avoiding sound experimental design to reinforce stereotypes and prejudices.

10:44:20 PM    

Google Audio Search [Kelake]

I think Kelakes' blog is one of the best blog experiences and well-organized,too. I am happy to repeat his blog post on the speculation that Google can use current, bleeding-edge, and speculative technology to introduce Audio search in 2006. That is certainly worth a lot of buzz. Bandwidth? Liabilities? Copyright? Tags? "He said. She said." WoW! It really boogles the mind.

8:30:16 PM