No One Can Hear You Scream
Podcast:
I wanted to approach the readings this week, focusing mostly on the Johnson, by creating a story space in which the problems of "user-friendly" technology are dramatized. My goal was to take the idea of the "cutting edge of technology at your throat" to the most extreme point, when the technology that you can't use/don't completely understand is something you're desperately relying on, and there's no "expert" or tech support to save you. In this case, literally.
Plus, I also wanted it to be fun, and who can resist being eaten by an alien? No one.
Enjoy!
“Stealing opportunity from the jaws of disaster” is a direct quote from Miller (36).
Sound effects from BFM Digital, 300 Sound Effects and Hollywood Edge Sci-Fi Sound Effects Vol. 1.
(18 votes)
Comments
What is "user-friendly"?
I want to start off by saying, “Great job!” This is a very unique and interesting way to present the information from the articles we’ve read. I especially like the way you include the fact that people are already users of technology every time they flip on a light switch. However, your podcast definitely brings up the question, “How are we defining user friendly?”
Generally when I think of technology being user friendly, I think of it as being easy to use, simple to navigate, etc. Though user-friendly technology might be aimed at people being able to navigate it with ease, if it breaks down, most are clueless how to fix it. Therefore, with computers and such, people are mostly taught a superficial understanding of how to navigate it. Granted, people get to give a lot of input on whether they like something or if they can understand how to navigate the finished product. However, unless special courses are taken, most people are not instructed how to fix the problems that come up, as demonstrated by the podcast.
Towards the end of the podcast the captain gains a sense of empowerment and says, “Maybe the ship is only something you can understand when it is actually being used, and only by those people that are actually used to using it. Maybe we can save ourselves.” However, seconds later the captain is eaten. Is this a commentary on the improbability that users today will be able to save themselves if issues occur? I realize it’s a language barrier issue, because computers have their own language. However, unlike written language (in America) where almost everyone is taught the how’s and the why’s and the structure of how to make a product, with the computer most people are given a product to start with. They may comment on the appearance of it and expand upon that appearance, but they do not know about how it is structured. Therefore, how user-friendly is user-friendly when it comes to computers and how much can the audience really be involved?
Christa Weaver
Awesome concept
This was a very neat way to approach the podcast. I like the way you echoed your voice and spoke as if you were reflecting from the ship. I can tell you definitely took the time to plan your podcast content; the story you created to convey your thoughts was well thought out and seemed to also be well rehearsed. I could distinguish various points within your podcast where you obviously understood the text well and were able to incorporate what the text discussed while keeping your monologue in the appropriate voice for your story.
The descriptions of the conditions upon the ship were appreciated as they enabled me to visualize what I was hearing and feel like I was actually living through you on the ship. Your reference to never being told how to power the ship as well as how the designer of the ship has probably never been in space spoke to the readings, particularly to Miller’s. Your method of discussing the readings was awesome, and really made me ponder what we would do if our most used technologies were to die. I have a coworker that is always asking me for help to use technologies that I have deemed simple; when she comes down the hall I inwardly groan because I know it will be a simple fix that will end up taking me an hour to explain to her, but your way of discussing the spaceship breakdown made me ponder my own technological dependence. While I like to think I have grown up embracing technology and able to use it well, I realized that as technology progresses (and it will), I will likely be left behind like my coworker, wondering as your character did, how do I fix this?!? Is it a simple fix?!? I also was amused by your description of Miller and Johnson on the ship with you, what a nice addition.
There were a few parts where I wish you had spoken a little slower, I wanted to hear everything you had to say but without a written component (which I would never expect for a podcast), I found myself having to replay certain parts of the podcast to make sure I was getting the full effect/ meaning of what you were trying to convey. Also, while not necessary, I would have liked some type of introduction to your podcast, to signal who you are and what I can expect from you each time. While your podcast will likely not be from outer space next time, if you had an introduction that could be used with every podcast, it would be a great way to signal to the listener that they in fact listening to their favorite podcast broadcaster, and to be prepared for a creative, likely in character, monologue that will introduce, examine, etc the material from class.
The sound effects were very appropriate and fun. Like I said earlier, I can tell you really put time into creating a cohesive podcast. I am intrigued for your next one to see what type of creative direction you take with it. Great job.
Amber Randall
abr9042@uncw.edu