The Last Chapters of Bolter & Gromala

Firstly, I hope everyone is safe and sound from the super storm Sandy! My power was recently restored and I am a happy camper. But my heart goes out to those who are still living in the dark. Moving forward…

Terminal Time is another form of media that requires the viewer to participate but in an unconventional way. Terminal time requires a immediate response in which the viewer indicates their preferences by applauding to answer the questionnaire. This media form is a cultural context and expresses how the viewer defines history. The role the viewers play isn't unfamiliar because it’s similar to what viewers do when they visit the World Wide Web, play a CD or DVD, the viewer is registering their choices by clicking or pressing buttons. The experience offered is reflective which is similar to Wooden Mirror and Nosce. The viewers have a task in both forms of media.  The discovery in the Terminal Time is one of cultural assumptions. It makes the point that we bring a network of beliefs and prejudices to any form of media we experience.  The Terminal Time is meant to expose those assumptions (Bolter, Gromala , 137).

After examining several pieces in the gallery it’s time to examine the gallery as a whole. Each individual piece is designed and programmed to be an experience (Bolter, Gromala, 144). The concept of the gallery is based on the visitor’s experience. Rather than viewing an exhibit the visitor should perform the design, as they would an instrument. Digital designs are said to allow the audience to produce unpredictable results by the artist. Such as text rain, wooden mirror, Magic book and fakeshop, these pieces are series of performances. The visitor should feel alone with the pieces in the gallery. They should be fully engaged with the design.  It’s a compelling technique because it makes the viewer aware of the elements in the exhibit. The success of the gallery and the work inside depends on the ability of the viewer to act transparent and/or reflective. This can be seen with a consumer and a new innovative product, it’s what you make of it and your interaction with the interface.

Transparency and reflective go together just like the two groups of structuralists and designers. It’s becoming evident that these two groups need to work together to design web pages. Both groups have a different way of viewing the page. Designers make the site look attractive and appealing to the eye, where the structuralists ensure it functions and is easy to navigate. It’s essential the site provides the user with a fascinating experience. What the viewer may see in its interface may be reflective of the individual’s cultural background.  New media is a mirror! Digital media ultimately reveals the viewers to themselves or others. 

This book was definitely a better read and was very compelling! I hope everyone else feels the same.