Message-Id: <200203061821.g26IL8G00404@sitelicense.arizona.edu> Date: Wed, 6 Mar 2002 13:22:20 -0500 From: Tom Moritz <mailto:tmoritz@AMNH.ORG> Subject: Utilitarian design issues.. To: mailto:IMAGELIB@listserv.arizona.edu
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I'm sure most folks on this list are familiar with this problem
but for the few who are not, might want to look at: (it's at least indicative
of the issues that need to be considered):
http://hotwired.lycos.com/webmonkey/reference/browser_chart/
Let me add that we (the MANH DL team) are very conscious of what is
sometimes called the "trailing edge" (as opp. to "leading edge") problem in
design.
All the more so since the site we have just released (<diglib1.amnh.org>)
was built with the goal of returning information to Africa.
the International Convention on Biological Diversity
(<http://www.biodiv.org/convention/articles.asp>)
Section 17 says:
"Article 17. Exchange of Information
1. The Contracting Parties shall facilitate the exchange of information,
from all publicly available sources, relevant to the conservation and
sustainable use of biological diversity, taking into account the special
needs of developing countries.
2. Such exchange of information shall include exchange of results of
technical, scientific and socio-economic research, as well as information
on training and surveying programmes, specialized knowledge, indigenous and
traditional knowledge as such and in combination with the technologies
referred to in Article 16, paragraph 1. It shall also, where feasible,
include repatriation of information." [emphasis added]
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++=
Obviously design at the simplest -- "lowest common denominator" level may
result in
a very "flat" site. The goal is to take best possible advantage of
the technology -- from an aesthetic and functional perspective -- while being
"utilitarian" -- offering the greatest good to the greatest number.
Not easy.
Tom
Tom Moritz
Chairperson and WCPA (IUCN) Representative
Biodiversity Conservation Info. System (BCIS)
(<http://www.biodiversity.org>)
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