Ambient Information and Search Results

I’ve been thinking a bit about ambient information, subtle cues that “exist in the periphery of our senses, where they provide continuous information without being distracting.” [source]

These cues can be in the form objects, as with the ambient orbs which communicate stock information through color changes. They could be unique sounds associated with specific subway stops (for more on this, see the Ambient Signifiers article on Boxes and Arrows). Or, in the two examples I want to share, these could be visual cues that may or may not consciously register, but work to facilitate the understanding and processing of information. Continue reading...

Are You Engaging in Recreational Search?

I’ve long believed even the most ruthlessly task-focused activities can also be emotionally engaging, but my mental model of search is (or has been) that it is a means to an end. The overwhelming response to Viewzi is making me rethink this... People are clearly having fun using Viewzi. And in the process I’m seeing a new form of search begin to emerge, one that is more recreational than utilitarian. Continue reading...