24 Feb 08 In: Digital Asset Optimization, Out: Search Engine Optimization
It seems like the trend is shifting from optimizing for a slow, dumb engine, and is moving towards a more sophisticated integration of elements, be it image, video, consumer reviews, or social networks. This changes what is getting optimized from the platform to the asset. That is why the future is all about Digital Asset Optimization (DAO) and not about SEO. Digital Asset Optimization properly assigns value to the platform or device as the conduit for marrying content and intent. By understanding how video can be optimized, a search campaign can be successful on Google or YouTube.
Earlier this week, fellow Search Insider David Berkowitz discussed the new Samsung set top See’N'Search. The device is just one example of how search is going to evolve. I’ve said this before, yet it still has not sunk in for many. Search on the desktop is not the end game. It is the starting point today, and Google has won that medium. When we think about Mobile Search, Local Search, Video and Image Search — and even search on the set top, we have yet to declare a winner, and I would suggest we have yet to even meet all the players.
The closing paragraph of the Keynote study summed it up fairly well. “Whatever the front end, whatever the search domain, the news is sure to be good for users. With such intense competition, and so much money at stake, the leading search providers will continue to make the user experience better and better, and make it easier and easier to find whatever it is we seek.”
So, the future of SEO as defined today is a bleak one. Whether we merely change the description of SEO or use a new acronym like DAO, the days of success being optimization for 10 text links on a standard results page is going to end up just like our old description of the engines: as dinosaurs. Extinct dinosaurs.
Tags: Search
10 Feb 08 Ultimate Baby Dashboard: Trixie Tracker
Just came across this over at gongblog.
Trixie Tracker is a full-featured online tool that allows new parents to keep detailed records and create visually striking charts for Sleep, Diapers, Bottles, Solids, Nursing, Pumping and Medicine. You’ll love the charting on diaper leaks, solid food intake, and the especially useful medicine tracker. Take a look at the breast milk inventory graphic:
Trixie Tracker was invented by a stay-at-home dad to help take better care of his new daughter. He knew there was a daily schedule and wanted to understand it, but it was too difficult to keep track of all the little baby care details.
Great tool. Check it out.
Tags: New & Notable, Software
03 Feb 08 British Heart Foundation: Food for Thought
The British Heart Foundation is the UK’s largest nonprofit focused on heart health. Their goal is to lead the fight against heart disease – number one killer in the UK. They’ve recently launched an advergame, Food for Thought, focused on educating children about healthy lifestyle.
The game is staged in a virtual city where players complete tasks to earn the right to register for a cool prize–anti-gravity boots if I recall. The came is really well done, the lessons are solid and the play itself is enough to keep you engaged. Nice!
Tags: Advergames
02 Feb 08 Call for Papers: Special Issue on Cultural Aspects of Interaction Design
For all you IxDers out there, the International Journal of Design has published a call for papers for it’s special issue on the Cultural Aspects of Interaction Design (pdf flyer).
The International Journal of Design is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal devoted to publishing research papers in all fields of design, including industrial design, visual communication design, interface design, animation and game design, architectural design, urban design, and other design related fields.
Currently the organization seems to be viewing interaction design through a product/industrial design lense. Perhaps we can change that with a bit of prodding, participation, and patronage.
Tags: Interaction Design
