PERSONAL PROJECT - RESEARCH PAPER PRO FORMA

1. Your general field of enquiry.

I have decided to examine a humanitarian topic which is relevant to us all, ‘freedom of speech.’ Freedom of speech is enshrined in the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights and is granted formal recognition by the laws of most nations. Nonetheless the degree to which the right is upheld in practice varies greatly from one nation to another. In many nations in the developing world strict censorship is enforced, while even among liberal democracies there are different approaches to issues such as hate speech, obscenity and laws.
Freedom of speech is a fundamental principle that provides people with the right to speak their thoughts in public. However, there has been much discussion on this topic lately, especially in the media in light of the 9/11 terrorist attacks in America and the 7/7 attacks in Britain. As a result of these terrorist attacks, both the U.S and U.K governments have introduced new legislation & laws to help combat their war on terror. However, they are not without opposition from those who feel they are impeding on our civil liberties & rights.
Does freedom of speech permit a person to arouse fear or hatred? It is true that freedom of speech can be abused. Nevertheless, this freedom is so important that surely every precaution should be taken to protect those who call upon its guarantee. Freedom of speech continues to be problematic as well as important. I have just read an article where the Ku Klux Klan were given permission to hold a rally in a town in America & received police protection; then they were sent a bill for the additional security. When the Klan protested, the court decided that the group did not have to pay. It is easy to say that the Klan should be silenced because its message is objectionable. However, if one group with objectionable views can be silenced, it soon may become acceptable to silence another group, and then another group. In this light, I am reminded of the Pastor Martin Niemöller famous poem "First they came..." and feel its words & message still ring true today “When they came for me, there was no one left to speak out.”



2. Your chosen subject.

I intend to research & examine the specific issue of Internet Censorship. Internet censorship is control or suppression of material an individual can publish or access on the Internet.The legal issues are similar to offline censorship. One difference is that national borders are more permeable online: residents of a country that bans certain information can find it on websites hosted outside the country. Conversely, attempts by one government to prevent its citizens from seeing certain material can have the effect of restricting foreigners, because the government may take action against Internet sites anywhere in the world, if they host objectionable material.
Total censorship of information on the Internet however is very difficult to achieve due to the underlying distributed technology of the Internet. Data havens (such as Freenet) allow unconditional free speech, as the technology guarantees that material cannot be removed and the author of any information is impossible to link to a physical identity or organization.
However, this does not mean that governmental originations throughout the world are not trying to implement forms of censorship. The recent (September 2004) international operation against the anti-globalization Indy-media network, led to the knock down of several servers worldwide. So this shows that the era of completely free internet is finished. Even in democratic countries the authorities have now the technical and legislative means to shut down anybody on the net, for any good or evil reason. In the United Kingdom, the new Home Office Minister Vernon Coaker set a deadline of the end of 2007 for all Internet Service Providers to implement a “Clean feed” style network level content blocking platform. Currently, the only web sites ISPs are expected to block access to are sites the Internet Watch Foundation has identified as containing images of child abuse. However such a platform is capable of blocking access to any web site added to the list, making it a simple matter to change this policy in future. The Home Office has previously indicated that it has considered requiring ISPs to block access to articles on the web deemed to be “glorifying terrorism”, within the meaning of the new Terrorism Act 2006.

Levels of Internet censorship vary from country to country as previously discussed. Some countries impose stricter regulations and penalties than others. In total there are 61 Cyber dissidents imprisoned to date in various countries for illegal web bloggings and other forms of expression or statements against their governments, with this number ever increasing. In November 2006, governments and companies from all over the world will attend a UN conference to discuss the future of the Internet. This could pen ultimately mean that the face of the Internet as we know it will change. For this reason, I feel it is something that needs to be examined and is in everyone’s best interest that the results are made freely available to the masses.



3. Your objectives. What are you going to document/ uncover/ explain/ question?

In this time of regulation, freedom is really threatened on the Internet. There are peoples who try to monopolize the net, see to censor it, openly or hypocritically, be it is in the name of the defence of the order or in the name of freedom. There are those who agree with censorship, but one is compelled to ask “to what extent?” Denial of inappropriate images of minors for example is something I would hope everyone would see as a good thing. But what about censoring articles with strong religious or political beliefs because the opinions held are not your own? I believe it is imperative that a balance should be reached between censorship of explicit material and freedom of speech.
I wish to obtain an understanding of the current state of affairs throughout the globe in this issue. Firstly I must discover what forms of expression on the internet are under attack. I then intend to examine how special governmental bodies and interest groups suppress the right to free speech on the internet by attempting to silence anyone whose opinions do not conform with their agendas. After I discover what means are used to suppress free speech (e.g. smart filter, websense), I wish then to develop my project further by looking at what tools are available (e.g. Freenet) to help protect those who do not have the fundamental right of free speech..
Having done all this, I intend to present my findings in a professional journal. I am currently looking for an appropriate place for publication among organisations such as Amnesty International (Irrepressible campaign) and Reporters without borders etc. Above all I hope to present a coherent and well balanced report, which draws upon all the issues of Internet Censorship & which presents the reader with a good understanding of the these issues.



4. A description and assessment of research base. Primary sources. Secondary sources.

Much of my primary research will comprise of distributing Questionnaires, e-mails and letters to the appropriate persons. Case studies will be conducted into various countries to gain an understanding of the scale of internet censorship and the resulting penalties for braking set laws, be they an individual countries or international.
The secondary sources I will use will include books, videos, journals and articles on the internet. Although many articles, particularly on the internet may be bias or inaccurate, they will still be invaluable to my findings and understanding of the issue.
5. An indication of your preferred methodology and why it is appropriate. What academic approach will you choose that is best suited to the analysis, contextualisation and cultural critique of your subject?

Researching into this issue could be particularly difficult. Because this is such a profound issue for many people and because there are those who wish to distort the truth, individual agendas may play heavily on the information I find. Fortunately I have a background in Historical study and have had much experience of using primary and secondary sources. Therefore I am aware of the problems that bias and inaccurate information can cause, but should also be able to identify such issues.
When my research is complete, the academic approach I intend to use to analyse my findings will take the form of a philosophical discussion. I am concerned with the issue of Internet censorship and apart from just looking at the technical capabilities available to enforce this censorship and how to overcome them. I also intend to present an unbiased philosophical discussion, citing the works of key thinkers & philosophers. I think this would be particularity appropriate because it would allow me to gain a full understanding of the issues for and against internet censorship, before writing a conclusion on where I stand on the issue & presenting my finished project.
Furthermore, I intend to use appropriate law based methodology when I come to present my findings into the kinds of penalties issued for breaking censorship laws.

6. References to key thinkers/academics.

Isaiah Berlin (Political philosopher and Historian of ideas. 1909 - 1997).
Jeremy Waldron (Professor of law and philosophy at the New York University School of Law. 1953 - present).
Jonathan Wolff (Professor and Head of Department specialising in political philosophy at University College London. 1959 - present).
Bernard Williams (Professor of Philosophy at the University of Cambridge,1929 - 2003).
Ronald Dworkin (American legal philosopher, 1931 - present).
H. L. A. Hart (Legal philosopher, 1907 - 1992).
Jean-Jacques Rousseau (Philosopher of the Enlightenment, 1712 - 1778).

7. Indicative bibliography.

Freedom: An Introduction with Readings by Nigel Warburton
(Routledge, an imprint of Taylor & Francis Books Ltd. 14 Sep 2000).

The New Thought Police by Tammy Bruce
(Crown Publications. Jan 2003).

http://irrepressible.info/ (Amnesty International Campaign).
http://opennet.net/map/ (Internet Filtering Map).
http://www.rsf.org/ (Reporters without Boarders).
http://www.ispa.org.uk/ (The Internet Services Providers' Association. ISPA UK).
http://www.netfreedom.org/ (Free speech organisation).
http://www.eff.org/br/ (Electronic Frontier Foundation. Free speech organisation).
http://www.epic.org/crypto/ (Electronic Privacy Information Centre).
http://www.scripting.com/twentyFour/ (A Celebration of Free Speech on the Internet).


8. Additional information that is relevant.

Time willing, I would like to present my project not just in written form, but also in some kind of multi-media format. I wish to create either a video, e book, website or some other form of multi-media presentation. A written dissertation or journal may be appropriate for presenting my finding to an academic body, but I also wish to present my work in a form that is more accessible to a larger audience.


9. Any questions you may have for staff.

Having discussed this topic with S. Pope on the 30/10/06, I am happy that I have a credible and above all interesting proposal for a project. I will require further discourse soon, although I am happy to talk about my proposal at any time.

User Centered Design
Re-Design of Nintendo DS Lite


Introduction

In a previous module I looked at the Nintendo DS Lite handheld gaming console and discussed the products usability and HCI issues. I now intend to take an user-centred approach, to redesign and make an improved prototype of this product. This article concludes with an evaluation of my redesigned prototype using Nielsen’s Discounted Usability Engineering method (‘DUE’).


Stage One - Redesign

To help identify user needs and requirements, I conducted a focus group with several friends who own or have used a Nintendo DS, as well as some who had never used one before. I wished to observe how people used the system and also hoped to identify any problems people had when using it. Furthermore, I was keen to learn what people thought was positive about the device and what could be done to improve it’s usability.

Several user issues and observations were identified. Firstly some users had sensitivity issues with both the D-Pad and the Touch Screen, meaning the user had to press down much harder in some games than others. There are also reliability issues with it’s built in Microphone; this is apparent in such games where the user is asked to interact with the game by blowing into the Microphone.

Some users commented that the DS is not exactly ergonomic. The rectangular base is reminiscent of a slightly smoothed NES controller, meaning you cannot wrap your palms all the way around it. However, whether in use with the normal controls, stylus or the thumb strap nobody complained of the device being uncomfortable to use. Nobody experienced any hand cramps which often plague some owners of small handheld devices who use them for prolonged periods.

On the positive side, I received an overwhelmingly positive response with regards to the devices usability & interface. To test usability and to see how effective the interface is, I asked all my participants to perform a simple task; switching the device on > loading a game > playing the game > switching the device off. Users reported that all the buttons on the interface are clearly marked and there is not too many either, with no unnecessary buttons that could confuse the user. As for the devices interface and menus, they are laid out and presented extremely well. There are large icons, with not too many options and diagrams to help reassure the user they are selecting the correct option. (A run down of the main Menu screen is presented below).

Top screen

1. Tool Bar - This displays the users name, the time on a 24 hour clock and the date.
2. Clock - Displaying the time.
3. Calendar - Displaying the date.

Bottom Touch Screen

4. Game Option File - Select this to play if a game is inserted. When a game is inserted, It displays the games name in text and also has a relevant picture.
5. Pictochat - This option file is for instant chat software which allows DS owners to communicate with each other, much like MSN messenger or Yahoo messenger.
6. DS Download Play - This option allows DS owners to download game patches off other DS owners so they can play each other wirelessly.
7. Game Pak - This option becomes visible when a game pak is inserted.
8. Settings - This option allows the user to change the devices settings, e.g. time, date, brightness, user information.

One innovation that was discussed was whether the inclusion of an analogue stick would be appropriate. However, as I discovered with the DS lower touch screen, it has the potential to offer similar functions as an analogue controller, but with greater interaction. PC shooters for example have had the advantage of mouse look, which gave a whole new dimension of immersion. But with the DS, games like Metroid Prime Hunters brings mouse look control into your pocket. With the default controls, the action plays out on the top screen and you use the touch screen and stylus to look around, whilst the D-Pad move you around and the triggers fire. So tasks preformed with conventional analogue sticks can also be preformed with greater effect with the DS stylus or thumb stick on the touch screen.

I also conducted internet based research to determine what other problems Nintendo have had with the production of the DS console. Even though the overall opinions are positive, there has been one or two manufacturing issues. There has been problems with the outside casing, with cracks appearing on the hinge nearest the left shoulder button. This problem is purely cosmetic and does not affect the game play or console whatsoever. Other users have reported dead or stuck pixels, although this is pretty common amongst TFT screens.

By conducting user testing I have learned that many of the problems the DS has is with it’s hardware and issues that arise after the manufacturing process. As for usability, the device has a clearly defined menu which is simple to navigate. It is similar to a mobile phone menu and incorporates similar design traits. Seeing there are no clear problems with the ergonomics or usability of the device, I have decided to focus my redesign work on the aesthetical appeal of the DS. I had the intention of creating a product which would incorporate all the features of the original, but would bring something new to the table and could still be incorporated into the existing Nintendo DS products line.

After completing several rough sketches, the concept I came up with was that of an expandable device, with a flip top screen (shown below). Apart from incorporating the new features of the expandable design with a flip screen, this design has the advantage of being smaller than the DS Lite when it is not in use. Meaning it takes up less room on your person and when in storage. Something else I think could be an interesting concept would be light up buttons (e.g. Red LED buttons). This feature could then be used for such games where the user is required to press a button at a certain time (e.g. Dance games).

Stage Two - User Testing

For this stage I was required to evaluate my redesigned prototype using Nielsen’s Discounted Usability Engineering method (‘DUE’). A method of user testing was difficult to realise with my redesign. As I found the DS has excellent user interaction qualities, I am only concerned with testing the ergonomics and aesthetical appeal of my redesign. I decided against creating a High-fidelity 3D prototype, predominately because I was not changing the Devices interface. Furthermore, you navigate the menus and select options through the touch screen, so a visual representation on a computer could be considered too artificial. Other factors for this decision include the high costs that would be involved, lack of time and lack of software. For these reasons Instead I created two Low-fidelity prototypes by printing off an image of my redesign and placing it onto blue foam; one of the console closed & another with the flip screen open. This approach has the advantage of being very cheap and quick to create, although it does not give me as much or as accurate information as a high-fidelity prototype would.

To conduct the trial, I asked each individual in the focus group to hold first the original Nintendo DS Lite console and then my two redesigned blue foam models. I then asked them to simulate performing various actions, so I could discover if the device was comfortable to use and that all the buttons were in a practical place.

Results

As I made my redesign with the original DS Lite in mind, I incorporated many of the originals key characteristics. I believe it is because of this reason that I received overall positive feedback. Users reported that they found the device to be more practical because it fitted into their pockets easily. Because the button layout is similar to the originals, nobody could see any user interaction issues. Furthermore, as the device is the same size as the original when it is in use, users reported no problems with the ergonomics of the new design. However, It was pointed out that my blue foam models did not effectively show how the device opened or how the flip-screen operated.

Nielsen’s Discounted Usability Engineering method (‘DUE’)

Simple and natural dialogue

Short precise langue is used to not confuse the user.

Speak the users’ language

A wide age-range of people would use this device. For this reason it is important that language is kept simple and to a minimum.

Minimise the users’ memory load

The amount of operations a user can perform are kept to a minimal, not to overburden the users memory load. This device is predominately used for playing games, one main menu screen means that options are kept to a minimum.

Consistency

The Language and Visuals used are consistent throughout the console. Information is presented in the same format and location throughout. This gives the users more confidence in using and exploring the system.

Feedback

Loading screens appear to reassure the user. They are never left in any doubt about the system state or what is happening. Fortunately the system does not have a long response time for the actions you ask it to perform, so in-depth user feedback is not needed.

Clearly marked exits

If a user makes a mistake or accesses a option they did not intend, exit boxes are always situated on the top right of the screen. This is consistent with the layout on many computer programs.

Shortcuts

Few shortcuts are provided because of the minimal operations you can perform on the device and because they are not needed in game play.

Good error messages

Error messages are a rarity. When they do appear, they are in plain and clear language, avoiding the use of obscure codes or technical jargon which could confuse the user.

Help and documentation

A short precise manual is provided that explains all the key operations effectively without overburdening the user.