Into the future, with the Dynamism of the Content
and Ease of Use - October 2000
,

So finally here I am with the third issue of "Reach Out". In my last issue I had talked of the nuances of "colour psychology" and how the ad folks use it to manipulate and condition the reaction of the perceivers. With the popularity of web and television, Visual Communication has gain in importance. With the stake higher these days, every element of communication is vital and need a thorough understanding. After the design the second thing that a surfer experience is the content. Also with the parity of technology, the dynamism of the content and the ease of usability will drive site in future.

As write-ups are central to the content, they require a more original approach. Along with the design it is the writings, which lend the site an attitude and personality. Simplicity and originality are two qualities, which will keep your work from appearing staid. Big words give the impression that you are trying to hide behind the words. In contrast small words are specific and more expressive. Remember that on the net no one has time to refer to a dictionary. If they don't understand what you are trying to communicate they will be off in a jiffy. Also if someone doesn't get the meaning of a four or five lettered word, he takes it as his ignorance, but, if the word happen to be a ten or twelve letter word it's taken as the writer's tendency to be flashy.

More importantly communication of ideas should never be sacrificed at the altar of flashiness. This brings me to the two vital ingredients of creativity: the Clarity of Thoughts and the Honesty of Purpose. What you think and want to communicate should be understandable to a girl who is a high school drop out as well as to the professor of English. The clarity of thoughts is essential to come up with fresh ideas that cut across the clutter. Secondly the purpose of your writing should be to communicate your ideas and not to impress. Usage of language is a mean to an end (the communication of idea) and not an end in itself.

The "OUT OF THE BOX" column carry the article which will help you to understand the basic of colour usage techniques. The "CONTENTIOUS CONTENT" continues with serialized tips for creating content. With this I come to the end of this issue.

Nazim Iqbal