EXERCISE:
TOPIC: MANIFESTOS, DESIGN AND CYBERSPACE.
VANNEVAR BUSH: His contribution as a pioneer to modern design and communications
Vannevar Bush was born on the 11th of March, 1890. His birthplace was at Everett, MA. He died on the 30th of June, 1974 in Belmont, MA.
Vannevar Bush was an American Engineer, Inventor and Science Administrator who was well-known for his work on analogue computers which were big mechanical devices used to solve equations, 1930’s. Vannevar Bush also made contributions to create a relationship between the government and the scientific establishment during the duration of World War I. This made huge changes to scientific research which was done in the United States of America. This was adopted in the environment in which the Internet was developed in.
Vannevar Bush also invented a land surveying device called the profile tracer which looked similar to a lawnmower. When pushed over land, it instantly did calculations of elevations and drew a crude map. It could do the work of three people. Vannevar Bush conducted submarine –detection research for the US navy during World War I. Bush invented the differential analyser, 1935. Which was what we now may see as a computer. It solves complex mathematical equations with up to 18 independent variables. In 1938, he created the first personal processor, the rapid selector, which had high-speed retrieval of information stored on microfilm. He invented the “memex” in 1945, which was a device which enhanced the human memory by letting the user store and retrieve documents linked with associations. This is known as the hypertext today.
All of these contributions made by Vannevar Bush have now developed into the Internet and other technological devices which assist people in their scientific jobs. It created an update to the technological field and also nowadays will make may people’s lives easier because jobs can now be done much faster. Productivity has been increased.
The relation of design/art to technology and cyber-culture:
When technology is designed, the foundation all begins where the devices are drawn out with plans and designs. The design of technology has to have a function and purpose. A good Example would the laptop or cell phone. The laptop is flat and slim which is easy to carry around. It enables internet connection through a wireless method if available and Wi-Fi. The cyber-culture is therefore opened up because laptops can have these connections to enjoy their web browsing and socialising at restaurants and cafés, not only just home or at the airport or workplace.
The cell phone is small and portable. Easy to keep contact and up to date in case of any emergency. It allows applications such as the internet for browsing and e-mail as well as many others to be interactive. Basically design contributes to the way in which products will work. The main reasons are for communication with others.
The cyber culture is the virtual world. It is the way of life with the internet. People, can shop, interact, learn and transmit information. In order for cyber culture to be maintained, websites have to be made to keep people busy all day long. This creates a new community online and entertains those who are bored and lonely.
Websites have to be therefore designed to suit the needs and wants of the people in order to satisfy them. This includes the correct information and visuals. All of this will determine whether the cyber culture will be successful or not. The designs must be easy to navigate and simple to use. Original sites are what grabs people’s attention. In order for people to get connected with the cyber culture, a whole lot of technological devices have been made. Cyber culture connects everyone with networks. Types are communication, business and entertainment.
