The internet is one of the most common and widely accepted technology in modern society. With the broad adoption of smartphones and computers all over the world, the internet has become a one-stop-shop for entertainment, work, and learning. Most activities of daily life are conducted over the internet in the modern age. To access information, internet users depend on web browsers such as google chrome and Firefox. Information on the internet is indexed by automated systems that facilitate a tailored browsing experience using geo-location, surfing habits, and other dynamic user preferences (Gillespie, 2016).
However, the enormous amount of information on the internet makes it difficult for automated indexing technologies to organize web content (Lissitsa & Chachashvili-Bolotin, 2016). Internet users have come up with an open directory project where internet users, manually organize content on the web. The purpose of this article is to study and analyze the utility of the platform as a professional resource and as a source of useful information about software.
Summary Description
An open directory project is an open-source platform that allows individuals to quickly and efficiently obtain specific information. The information is indexed according to the nature of the information at multiple levels. For instance, an IT professional can easily browse for free software. The main aim of the platform is to improve the browsing experience by organizing internet content effectively. One crucial aspect of the platform is that it allows easy access to content organized to meet the needs of a variety of internet users. Open directory project gives users free access to effortless and efficient browsing and well-organized information.
Look, Feel, and Target Audience
While the open directory project performs the complex task of organizing internet content, it has a simple and upfront design suitable for an individual with basic computer knowledge. From an appearance point of view, the design is minimalistic in the sense that it has a fundamental design. The icons are very basic, and it only has two text colors, back and green, all backgrounds are white. The website seems to be basic HTML with no animations, no sophisticated colors, and no complex graphics. From a feel point of view, navigating the platform is smooth and straightforward. It feels like navigating through a database.
Since it is in basic HTML, the site responds quickly to mouse input. According to (Cerdá Suárez, 2015), simple websites are faster than complex websites. However, I think that a search feature would be very useful in navigation. The site is suitable for any internet user; thus, the target audience is the average internet user. However, it is also ideal for professionals in any field. Open directory project is useful a useful tool for any internet user.
Usefulness
The open directory project platform is useful in different ways, depending on the user. One helpful feature of the platform is that it allows accurate indexing of information. The feature is essential since it enables users to easily access the content they need with the least possible input. In this case, all the user needs are mouse input. From an IT professional point of view, the platform dramatically fits in since it enables easy access to information, applications, and news quickly and efficiently. It also allows the combined effort of the web users, which enhances the quality of content. I prefer the platform over a search engine in a situation where I don’t have specific information. Overall, I think that the open directory project ranks high on the usability scale.
Interests
There are numerous features and links in the open directory that are interesting and useful. However, one of the particular features that interests me the most is the ability to update the database. I look forward to participating in improving the platform and sharing the platform with my friends. Another interesting link I intend to follow up is the freeware link. It is difficult to find free software using search engines without risking potential virus and malware attacks. The open directory project has numerous features useful that would attract any internet user.
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Bottom-Line Evaluation
The open project directory is a valuable asset for me and any other IT professional in the sense that it enables easy and efficient access to reliable information and links to reliable software and limitations. However, I believe that the site should include a search option to facilitate easy retrieval of information. Overall, the tool is highly valuable to me.
Conclusion
Conventional automatic indexing systems are unable to meet the expectations of the rising number of internet users all over the world. The open directory project is a possible solution to the problem by facilitating the collective manual organization of web content. The platform is a useful asset for professionals and basic internet users alike. Its minimalistic design and basic navigation are advantageous. However, it lacks a search feature. Regardless, it is a critical tool for any internet user and an excellent intervention to solve problems with modern automated indexing systems. Today the Open Directory Project is officially closed since March 2017. The currently live form of the site is an independently created static mirror of dmoz.org.
References
Cerdá Suárez, L. M. (2015). Investigating website appearance and usability effects on student satisfaction with the website: a descriptive analysis in three countries. International Review on Public and Nonprofit Marketing, 13(3), 223–238. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12208-015-0147-2
Gillespie, T. (2016). Algorithmically recognizable: Santorum’s Google problem, and Google’s Santorum problem. Information, Communication & Society, 20(1), 63–80. https://doi.org/10.1080/1369118x.2016.1199721
Lissitsa, S., & Chachashvili-Bolotin, S. (2016). Life satisfaction in the internet age – Changes in the past decade. Computers in Human Behavior, 54, 197–206. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2015.08.001
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