The web is changing. Its pages are no longer
static, but moving, changing, interacting. Even as we watch, it is evolving
from an information repository into a distributed interface to a global
networked computational engine. But this change has its price. Can users
understand what they are seeing? What is the appropriate technology? How
do we ensure that the goals and objectives of our highly dynamic and interactive
sites are met?
To find correct answers to these, as with
all design problems, we must surely match the technology to the needs.
Sometimes, for marketing or image reasons this means using the newest
technology just because it is the newest and sexiest. But when functionality
and usability matter it is likely to mean using a blend of technologies
and often a socio-technical solution, involving, dare we say it, people!
This special issue of Interacting with Computers
will focus on issues surrounding the design, development and evaluation
of dynamic interfaces for the Web. Potential topics include (but are not
limited to) the following:
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