O’Reilly’s Fourth Pattern “Rich User Experiences” discusses how applications are constantly transitioning from basic desktop programs into applications and platforms that are solely web based. With the continuation of such expansions as this – is poses the question . . . What will happen to desktop computers in the future? Will they appear obsolete?
Web 2.0 applications allow for the user to contribute and collaborate with others in real-time without the hassles of desktop programs. Moving to an online application will allow for people in today’s society function and communication with ease. Providing the users with a space to work, share and collaborate, multi-task and participate is imperative in becoming a successful “Rich User Experience” application.
Google Documents is a brilliant example of a Web 2.0 application that provides users with a unique and rich user experience, all online. Google Documents is much similar to Microsoft Word, however it is available all online. The ability to do this is what makes it more appealing in many retrospects. Being able to store the files online, (no back up needed) it allows for people on-the-go to utilise these options. Using Google Documents reduces the need for carrying around numerous different copies of documents on a USB, or even constantly emailing them to yourself. Another major advantage that Google Document has is the ability to share and collaborate with others. You can easily share the document you are working on with follow colleges or class members and the ability to edit, talk and collaborate can be performed with ease. This feature is widely used in corporations and businesses because a group of people can edit the document simultaneously. Therefore reducing any overlapping, over-saving, deleting information that may accidentally occur.
Google Documents is an ideal application that replaces the need to always be connected to a desktop. Having the ability to edit/share/collaborate on a document whilst on your iPad, tablet, etc is incredible. It provides the users with a Rich User Experience online and gives them an alternative option that suits their needs.
With the advances of technology ever increasing, it will be interesting to see whether online applications and programs will dominate the market and over power the desktop?
References
Google. (2012). Google Docs. Retrieved from http://www.google.com/google-d-s/documents/
O’Reilly, T. (2005). Design Patterns and Business Models for the Next Generation of Software. Retrieved from http://oreilly.com/pub/a/web2/archive/what-is-web-20.html?page=1
I can say Google Docs are amazing as I personally use Google Docs on a daily basis for work and uni purposes. It has evolved from just creating a document to adding a variety of functionality. It’s access to Google Cloud makes it so convenient for its users to access docs from anywhere on the earth with an internet connection. That kind of thinking has given Google the edge in user experiences.
However, I think even though it has a great user interface, its functionality is still lacking of customization. For example, there are limited options to assign styles and formatting to a Google Doc. But may be with bit more interactivity and functionality it might be even able to surpass Microsoft Word for its user base. What do you think?
Hey Hasitha,
I definitely agree with you – the functionality and interactivity possible with Google docs is very limited but I think the abilities it does possess as the moment overcome those small disadvantages. Hopefully in the future they expand the possibilities you can do :)
Thanks for the comment
Caitlin
Google docs has its uses for me, when occasionally I’m working with people around the world on living documents. It provides a tool that I can use to manage a document from anywhere, and control the degree of visibility to it. So it’s great for a lot of things.
In terms of your question, I think that as time presses on, there will be a a strong mix of both offline and online editors, but there will always be a market for offline editing. The issue I think, is that businesses are going to plagued by privacy issues, such as keeping confidential data in the cloud etc, which will hold it back.
Hi Anthony,
Thanks for the comment, I think that it will definitely take a long time for desktop computers to come obsolete but it will be interesting to watch the change occurring of more online applications available..
Caitlin
Google Docs is such an amazing web application that’s not bound to any particular platform and can be assessed virtually anywhere using any devices connected to the Internet. Being able to collaborate with many people online real time on a project is what attracts me to this application. I think that is such a brilliant idea and being able to actually do it now improves how we interact with other people in many new ways.
Very Informational Read! Thoroughly Enjoyed :) I seem to think that Online Software in conjunction with the cloud will eventually take over the processing power of normal standalone applications!
Very Informational Read! Thoroughly Enjoyed :) I seem to think that Online Software in conjunction with the cloud will eventually take over the processing power of normal standalone applications!
JF
http://www.joshuaflinn.com