Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. 526 Unit 3 Living Online New Media. The term new media refers to the Internet-based content that can be accessed on-demand on any digital device and involves user control and dialogue. The defi nition of new media continually changes as new interactions and models for communication are developed. Interactivity. The magic of computers is the ability to put the user in control of the speed, order, and use of information. Interactivity refers to items the user can control, such as hyperlinks, text-entry boxes, selection buttons, scroll bars, video controls, and audio controls. Interactivity allows the user to be in control of gathering and providing information on each page. Interaction Design. Online communication is facilitated by understanding what is to be communicated and presenting it in the clearest and easiest way. Interaction design refers to creating interactivity. All elements of the page must work together to communicate the message. The selection of typeface is an important consideration. The typefaces easiest to read on a computer monitor are sans serif fonts. Images should promote the message and not be meaningless graphics. Video should be incorporated when a series of intricate steps must be followed to perform a task. Color should be used to highlight important ideas and should not be used simply to decorate the page. Human-Computer Interaction. The human-computer interaction (HCI) describes how computer users communicate with the computer. The HCI part of web design is often referred to as usability. Readability, ease of interaction, and intuitive use of the page are all considerations for web design. Considerations must also be included for accessibility by users with disabilities as well as others. In addition, consider how the web page design will be presented if the content is viewed on a mobile device. Digital Wellness With new digital technology comes new health concerns. Users can become addicted to the technologies or injure themselves as a result of use. Digital wellness is the area of study to discuss and remedy excessive use of screen time, online addictions, and smartphone addictions. Caution must be taken to be aware of how much time and energy is devoted to use of games or social media. Excessive use of digital technology may be considered an addiction. Smartphone use is very common across all age groups. There is a distinct difference between idle use of these technologies and smartphone use to the exclusion of other social activities. A recent Pew Research Center study found that 46 percent of smartphone owners said they “could not live without” their smartphones. Section 15.3 provides more information on good communication practices related to online and cell phone communication. Ergonomics is the science concerned with designing and arranging things people use so that they can interact with them both effi ciently and safely. In the workplace, it can include designing workstations to fi t the unique needs of the worker and the equipment used. Applying FYI FYI The typeface Tahoma was designed specifi cally for the computer display. Living Online 9.2.1, 9.2.2 Living Online 5.2.1, 5.2.2, 5.2.3, 5.2.4, 5.2.5 GS5 GS4