Human Factors

I decided since I wrote about my photo class a bit, I'd try to write about the rest of my classes in kind.

I'm also enrolled in a human factors course. "What is human factors," you may ask. It is a broad field that in many ways encompasses design for usability, safety, and efficiency. For example, today in class we looked over a broad realm of things human factors affects.

One is web design (for all you computer geeks out there). Why is facebook more friendly than myspace? Is it the design factor, the networking factor, or just perception?

Another example you could run for days with is Apple hardware/software.

We discussed flight issues with all the gauges a pilot must recognize, as well as industry applications like a Nuclear Power Plant control room.

All of these places and things must be designed for their ease of use, enjoyment of use, failsafes, etc, etc.

I know some people are taking this class as an easy A, but let me tell you, it has the potential to be one of the most fascinating courses I've ever taken here at Illinois. The material is engaging and the professor really encourages interaction with the class. So, check out Psych 358/IE 340, as that...is the class.

Arkansas and mind blown

This week, for part of it, I am in Blytheville, Arkansas. This bustling metropolis is where Nucor is having a little intern get together. Should be a good time. Anyway, I am taking advantage of the free wi-fi at the hotel and my mind has been blown. New Facebook at www.new.facebook.com. I couldn't get it to work through the hyperlink. It is up and running. Check it out and don't waste too much time. I'm not sure what I think of it yet, but it seems like a general improvement so far. Lemme know what you think.

New Finskie

I figured I'd get my Friday post out of the way before I get to bed, cuz I feel like I'll just run out of time tomorrow. And what is it but a simple sharing of information. Nothing going on in my life, no Rose Bowl Roadtrip recap post.

Check out the new $5 bill yo.

So let us compare, right, as this is what we do when new things come out. Although does it really matter? What happens the majority of the time is we get used to it and it never bothers us again. It happens with uniforms, logos, and even laws. That's just the way the cookie crumbles right?

Anyway, open your wallet, and check out the old $5. Who am I kidding, you probably don't have one...

Here's one. Note the total difference. The new one has a lot of security features and the biggest shocker is on the back!!! I won't spoil it for you, but it's totally mind blowing. Lemme know what you think of this atrocity that has been committed against our currency. As if it'll matter later...