4 RULES FOR CREATING INTERACTIVE CONTENT FOR A MULTI-PLATFORM, MULTI-DEVICE WORLD
The article I found outlined the importance that companies have begun to place on their ability to develop multi-platform user experiences that are similar across all devices. Users have moved away from using traditional desktop viewing methods for web content, so in order to combat this changing trend in the way content is being consumed, companies must be prepared with regards to their design efforts. Web Designers must understand how their site's interactivity, ease-of-use, and aesthetic continuity must all be present regardless of the viewing platform. Users pay attention to the way websites are displayed on their different devices, and companies must realize this. This article is related to Internet Communication in multiple ways. This article mentions certain companies like Sony and Starbucks have recently made efforts to ensure their mobile platforms are consistent with their web platforms, in order to foster a more fluid and more interactive user-experience. Web Designers and corporate executives should do everything in their power to keep users engaged on all platforms. Lack of continuity and lack of interactivity in any or all platforms of a company's web identity would see negative results with regards to user statistics. If users have trouble viewing a website, or if they aren't pleased with the amount of interactivity that a website provides, then they're going to turn their attention elsewhere. Interactivity and accessibility are crucial to running successful web or mobile platforms.
We can measure interactivity in web design by the mere user-interface, for example click through interface, where users are forced to click on something to proceed further into the website as opposed to having multiple links available instantly. Another way we can measure web interactivity is whether the website allows for a place for user comments. Users enjoy being able to comment and actively participate in the websites they are viewing, so comments are a great way for users to feel connected with the website as well as with other users if there is a platform for group discussions/comments. A poll is also another way to measure web interactivity. By allowing users the opportunity to vote and participate in a poll, the web designer allows the user to feel a sense of community and a sense of importance. Users enjoy voicing their opinions on subject matter, especially when they are able to do so with other users. Customization is another huge way that users are able to interact with a website. For consumers, customization is a major factor in their buying behaviors. For example, Nike's interactive NikeID customization platform enables users and potential buyers to be fully interactive with Nike products by offering a 360 degree customizable viewing platform for shoes, etc. Interactivity is a major way to keep users on your site for extended periods of time, which only leads to more positive outcomes for a company and their branding image.
