HR: 1330h
AN: ED32C-1215    [PDF]
TI: A Multi-User Model for Effectively Communicating Research Through Electronic Media
AU: * Hinds, J J
EM: jhinds@uidaho.edu
AF: University of Idaho, Department of Geological Sciences, Moscow, ID 83843-3022 United States
AU: Fairley, J P
EM: jfairley@uidaho.edu
AF: University of Idaho, Department of Geological Sciences, Moscow, ID 83843-3022 United States
AB: Electronic media have demonstrated potential for data exchange, dissemination of results to other scientists, communication with community interest groups, and education of the general public regarding scientific advances. Few researchers, however, receive training in the skills required to capture the attention of the broad spectrum of Internet users. Because different people assimilate information in different ways, effective communication is best accomplished using an appropriate mix of photographs, graphics, tables, and text. In addition, effective web page design requires a clear, consistent organizational structure, easily-navigated layout, and attention to details such as page printability, downloading time, and minimal page scrolling. One of the strengths of electronic media is that the user can chose an appropriate level of involvement for his or her interest. In designing a web page for the multidisciplinary NSF/EPSCoR "Biocomplexity in Extreme Environments" project, we divided potential users into three categories based on our perception of the level of detail they required: 1) project participants, 2) non-participants with technical backgrounds, and 3) the general public. By understanding the needs and expectations of potential viewers, it was possible to present each group with an appropriate balance of visual and textural elements. For example, project participants are often most interested in raw data, which can be effectively presented in tabular format. Non-participants with technical backgrounds are more interested in analyzed data, while a project overview, presented through photographs and graphics with minimal text, will be most effective for communicating with the general public. The completed web page illustrates one solution for effectively communicating with a diverse audience, and provides examples for meeting many of the challenges of web page design.
UR: http://www.uidaho.edu/biogeochemistry
DE: 0400 Biogeosciences
DE: 6605 Education
SC: Education and Human Resources [ED]
MN: 2003 Fall Meeting