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TOPIC INTERESTS

OVERTURE

I want to be proficient at cultivating research that advances the field of Technical Writing and Digital Rhetoric. Though I haven't decided on an area of focus yet, I am open to writing a master's thesis since it would create a pathway for pursuing a doctorate later. Everything I learn in this class will be to my benefit in later coursework.

The readings for Week 1 have led me to consider very different areas I could focus on. The topics that interest me are QR codes, commercials, and manuals.

QR CODES

Last semester, I was investigating how QR codes could be implemented into history textbooks. I created an experimental chapter that used QR codes that provided various supplementary materials like concept maps, vocabulary terms, videos, and links to websites. As QR codes are relatively new in the United States (rather than Japan where they originated) and the versatility of QR codes continues to expand, there's plenty of space to explore for technical communicators. 

I could build on my knowledge here by delving deeper into the technical aspects.

For example, at what point is there saturation or over-saturation of QR codes in a print material? I'm curious if there's already been research done into this and if there is a specific number. 

Does the saturation involve physical fatigue where the eye becomes strained? Or is there user fatigue where the person no longer wants to interact with the interface?

While this is getting ahead of myself, it is interesting to think that if I went forward in this direction and decided to design a test, it could require a mixed methods approach involving quantitative and qualitative methods.

  • Quantitative route: Eye tracking might be able to pinpoint where users became overwhelmed by a number of QR codes on samples.
  • Qualitative route: Interviewing people who look at different samples could offer direct feedback on how they felt when viewing the pieces.

If I do eventually want to work on mixed media textbooks that incorporate QR codes as a career, it would make sense to continue familiarizing myself in this area.

COMMERCIALS

I could benefit from learning more about digital media involving video advertisements.

I'm curious about the timing involved for online and televised commercials. I've observed that commercials typically use storytelling, blare-the-message, and/or an abstract series of images to generate interest. I'd like to see what the time-markers are for when each type of commercial promotes a brand or product and if there are noticeable trends and patterns.

  • Storytelling approach: There's a beginning, middle, and end that resolves some problem in a scenario with characters. (I've noticed this with medical ads.)
  • Blare-the-message approach: There's a product and a company and a loud call to action. (I've observed this with repair ads.)
  • Abstract series of images: There's images that don't necessarily connect. (I've noticed this with perfume ads.)

This isn't an area of digital media that I'm familiar with, so there's plenty I could learn by jumping in here. Again, a mixed methods approach would need to be considered. However, I would need to refine what my actual goal is.

MANUALS

I have created various technical step-by-step guides and onboarding packets in my previous jobs. However, I realize that times change and the more text heavy styles of the past are now out of fashion. 

I am curious and critical over how helpful pictorial forms of instructions are. While wordless instructions have obvious advantages (often not requiring translation and being aesthetically pleasing), are they negatively impacting literacy?

My hesitancy in pursuing this area would be my own bias (I strongly advocate the importance of reading), however I do recognize that communication should never be limited to just text. I also worry if a correlation arises between the level of literacy and the preference of pictorial instructions, could that data be weaponized?

CLOSING

Feedback is welcome. I look forward to hearing others' viewpoints as I determine which topic to choose. I would like more experience with gathering empirical data since I've had some exposure to qualitative work already (surveys, interviews, etc.). 





Comments

  1. Michelle PackAugust 26, 2024 at 9:57 AM

    You have three great ideas. I love the continuation of your interest in QR codes. It would make sense to continue exploring this area if you want a doctorate degree someday. I was in the Richmond, VA, Capitol Building and they had QR codes on many of their displays. However, I didn't see anyone, other than myself, scan them. I think this is an area where more public education is needed. I love the idea of you exploring user fatigue because I felt this after 10 minutes in the Capitol Building.
    I think your idea of studying commercials is fascinating because that is a hot topic right now. Since it is something you have said you don't have a lot of knowledge in, it would be interesting for you to delve into.
    And the interest and experience with manuals is one I share. I, too, have seen that they are very text heavy. I would be curious what you would think of incorporating QR codes into employee manuals. That may be a way to combine two of your interests in a new way. I have seen icons and screenshots incorporated into employee manuals, but I haven't seen QR codes. It may be because of legal ramifications of using personal devices for work purposes. But if an employee is given a device as part of their position, it could be a good use of QR codes in employee manuals. Or even as job specific instructions at various locations in the office (such as near a copy machine with instructions on how to do two-sided copies).
    Great ideas!

    ReplyDelete
  2. florence08August 29, 2024 at 7:22 PM

    Hi Cisalee,

    Great initial thoughts here!! These choices are worthy subjects for further exploration, especially as you examine how they affect the audience/users, how gathered evidence gain traction, and so on. For instance, your idea of investigating QR codes (e.g., over-saturation) sounds compelling with regard to enhancing rhetorical issues on materiality, access, purpose, etc. I shared in class my love for anything related to technical manuals; I think this topic has endless possibilities for research across the fields of rhetoric and professional communication (e.g., comparison of written instructions vs. instructional videos).

    Looks like you're in good shape -- all 3 choices are very promising so you'd just need to go with one. :) Start plowing through some scholarly articles (I'll also introduce the Lit. Review writing assignment #1 next week) and once you've made your selection, let me know next meeting and maybe we can set a brief conference to talk more about it sometime, ok? Am here.. =))

    Awesome blog post, Cisalee!

    Dr. B

    ReplyDelete

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