The Efficiency of Pop-ups - Literature Review

‘The Efficiency of Pop-ups’

Authors:

Dr Jon Dodd

Robert Stevens

Date Published:

January 2003

The company Bunnyfoot, which was founded in 1999, focuses on UK UX Consultancy, usability and customer experience.

By conducting further research within the purpose of pop ups in advertising, Bunnyfoot has identified attitudes towards these methods and the possible perception of the website, advertiser and observer.

Their experts conducted tasks where by 36 participants viewed two comparable websites. This observation presented ‘a strong sense of dislike for pop-up ads’ (Dodd J, Stevens R 2003). Due to this factor, participants expressed a sense of dislike regarding the website and brand owner.

One participant informed that,

‘There is nothing more annoying than adverts popping up…. It’s enough to make me leave a site’ (Scott, IT Professional)

I agree with this view point as even though on various social media e.g. Facebook I will sometimes be enticed and view certain pop-ups, this generation especially I am bombarded and swamped with advertisements and pop-ups. Some of which are not accurate and biased. However I do not have a complete disliking to all Pop-ups within social media as I use them regularly within my industry. Examples include,

·      Audition/casting details

·      Friends involved within shows (Castlists)

·      New shows and their locations

·      General Information (shows, choreography, directors etc)

(pop up ads are like) ‘…interrupting somebody… (they) divert your attention away from what you want to pay your attention to’ (Lisa, PA)

The major findings produced by this research were:

• ·      50% of adds were closed before the add finished loading
• ·      35% of adds were ignored completely
• ·      There were no positive comments about pop-ups from any of the 36 users tested
• ·      Users feel like their intelligence is being tested because of the suggestion that they cannot find what they are looking for
• ·      Users are frustrated by adverts which appear in the centre of the screen or obstruct information because they are an unwanted interruption

‘I never click through pop-ups… I regard them as an irritation’ (Jack, Architect)

This research has presented that there are apposing opinions regarding pop-ups and advertisement within social media. This observation also shows the opinion of individuals working within other fields. These feelings expressed are conflicting to the opinions of various participants within the Performing Arts Industry that were interviewed. Rather than observing a pop up as a resourceful, informative source to understand and learn about their industry, the concept is know betrayed as an obstructive irritation.

‘I find pop-ups generally annoying because they come into my life whether I want them or not. I almost ignore what they are about…most times I kill it before it has delivered its message’ (Mark, student)

Even though this scheme of research has projected predominantly negative thoughts regarding Pop-ups, previous research has proved contradictory as some users find that Pop-ups have a competitive role within marketing. 

This piece of literature has proved incredibly resourceful regarding my Inquiry, delving and exploring further in to the sub-heading, Media and Technology.  From sectioning my inquiry into 4 sub-headings I have been able to research certain subjects thoroughly thus evaluating their significance within the topic of Wellbeing. From reviewing this source I have identified new opinions, both negative and positive. Some beliefs defer to my interview findings however the same key words have been highlighted from various findings. As well as within my industry this text explores the views of people outside of my work field which has given me a broader perspective of the purpose of Pop-ups. For example, as a performer I do find selected Pop-ups/advertisements very useful and beneficial towards my career and industry, however many individuals outside my industry believe that they are irrelevant, obtrusive and annoying.

I can relate to individuals who are against Pop-ups/advertisements as they are over-powering the web and are in some cases completely irrelevant, off topic containing false or inaccurate information. I do believe that they have impacted my industry in both negative and positive ways:

POSITIVE =
They can provide me with information regarding auditions or casting details and the concept had made everyone more aware of the importance of fitness and health. Therefore we can gain knowledge from certain Pop-ups/advertisement.

NEGATIVE=
They overcrowd the internet and are a nuisance to web surfers. They can presents false or biased information about fitness, health or nutrition thus distorting the truth and tricking web surfers.

Work Life Balance - Alex Huckle

Whilst researching my inquiry I have also been observing my brother (newly graduated after 4 years of intense study) I have gained his permission to blog my findings and have observed a dramatic change within his sense of wellbeing during and after his study.

It is interesting to compare these findings to my profession and industry and I feel that our wellbeing can be impaired if we are deemed under achieving.

The past four years of my brother’s life have been to most challenging, productive and at stressful times, a degree in design and Ergonomics has required dedication and determination to complete modules with at times, unrealistic deadlines. Upon reflection these timescales have developed my brother’s ability to prioritise his work and dedicate most of his time to his study. During his years of study I have witnessed him coming home during Christmas and Easter, working through the bank holidays, compromising ‘family time’ just to meet his deadlines. I recall him coming to stay with me in Plymouth last Christmas to watch my show. He set up his laptop, books and modules within his hotel room and worked every day whilst we as a family spent time together. He was so disciplined that he would stop working in the evening to catch up with us all.

As a family, this had a huge impact on our dynamics, my parents felt guilty at times for not being able to help my brother to free up some of his time, they watched him become extremely tired and anxious. Whilst, he on the other hand felt frustrated that he had to detach himself from us in order to stay on track to meet his deadlines.

The next few months up to final submission proved extremely challenging and sleep deprivation, travelling to and from University to complete user testing research and design work prototyping within the workshops. This was followed by presentations and a wait for his final grading. All of the above factors impacted hugely on his wellbeing describing himself as ‘emotionally drained’ and exhausted. The sense of relief came after his final submission, he described sleeping for a whole day to recuperate, which seemed to be a common practice after each submission of work. (Work life balance totally compromised during this time)

‘Design Week’ concluded his degree and enabled all graduates to display their final project work. The University invited the public and Industry professionals to celebrate their achievements giving the graduates a pathway to network with potential employers. My brother describes a feeling of achievement and a feeling of worth, that all of his studies had been worthwhile. In June he graduated with a First Class honours degree!

New challenges became apparent, moving back home after 4 years, enabled my brother to  rest and recuperate, taking time out to see his friends, go on holiday and regulate his sleeping Pattern. His ‘work life balance‘  reversed from all work to no work, this in its self-played a huge part of his wellbeing being compromised. Without full time employment and only taking on part time work he was limited to the amount of social activities that he could take part in. His fellow graduates began to embark upon their professional careers therefore feelings of anxiety and loss of direction began to enter his thoughts. Being at home all day allowed time to apply for jobs, create a portfolio and help around the house. There was a sense of despair about his student debt and questioning himself about the past 4 years of study being worth while. These few weeks I observed my brother start to be indecisive, doubting his own judgement and become very irritable. After applying for a number of jobs interview offers filtered into his inbox. This gave him the encouragement and incentive to prep for his interviews securing him a job within the field that he has studied with scope to develop and expand his career. Finally it seems that he has found the perfect  ’work life balance’ and a job that challenges him, very little travel and an ability to maintain and finance a social life. All of these factors contribute to a good sense of well being.

Although my brother’s experiences were not related to the Performing Arts Industry, I can relate to his behaviours and thought process during and after his study. My thoughts were parable to his when I had been unsuccessful in numerous castings and recalls. I too questioned by training, its worth and the ability to achieve the career I had worked so hard for. My wellbeing affected my mental health, doubting my own ability. Persistence to audition and move onto the next casting, built up my self-esteem improving my mindset.

Within my profession I am starting to conclude that work life balance cannot be an evenly split between work, relationships and social time. My industry dictates working many unsociable hours and work life balance can be achieved if the important people in your life respect this and work around me to help achieve a manageable ‘work life balance’ and good sense of wellbeing.

Module 3 / Reader 7 Analysis

READER 7 ANALYSIS

THE LITERATURE REVIEW

Before reading ‘Reader 7’ the Literature Review seemed incredibly daunting, making me feel slightly anxtious to commence the final module of the BAPP Course! Reader 7 has made complete sense that the Literature Review,

‘should show your ability to acquire knowledge about the subject areas that are related to your practice’.

(Reader 7)

To do this I can use ‘expert sources’, such as tutors, mentors  and professionals within my industry to develop a stronger understanding of my Inquiry. The Literature Review is created to build a stronger knowledge of my chosen topics, thus carrying out effective practitioner research.

Throughout Module 1 and 2 I have analysed a range of websites, books, articles and visual & audio-visual sources to use within my inquiry. I have also kept a Journal throughout Module 2 and wish to persue this further within Module 3.

I prefer to find transdisciplinary  knowledge to gain new understanding within my industry. An example of this is researching and analysing further into Zerlina Mastin’s The Nutrition of a Dancer & Hughes, Blaxter and Tight's How to Research. These sources allow me to,

‘define the more abstract terms that you use in your inquiry, such as ‘motivation’ or ‘communication’, in ways that are specific to an area of expertise’

(Reader 7)

I wish to commence 4 interviews, including 2 performers, a mentor and personal trainer/teacher. By sharing other’s experiences I will be able to broaden my overall understanding regarding other practitioner’s views and opinions.

With regards to the literature explored within the review, Hart defines the sources must,

‘fulfil certain aims or express certain views on the nature of the topic and how it is to be investigated, and the effective evaluation of these documents in relation to the research being proposed’

(Hart, 1998, p. 13)

HOW DO I PLAN TO REVIEW MY LITERATURE?

Purposes of a review such as:

·            Distinguishing proven theories & what needs to be done

·            Discovering relevant areas within the topic

·            Identifying Relationships & a new perspective

·            Rationalising the significance of the source

·            Understanding the structure of the subject

,are highlight by Hart as essential objectives within a Literature review.

Within Module 2 I have gathered a variety of sources to use throughout Module 3. Along with new literature research in my final module I will have to whittle them down to 10 – 20 sources. By comparing the significance and the value of the sources I will be able to do this effectively. I will include a variety of literature from websites, books, visual and audio sources to research my inquiry.

As well at the Literature Review, I will also be able to include literature within my CRITICAL REVIEW & APPENDICES if needed.

I may discover my opinion regarding certain sources underpinning my inquiry will agree or differ. By identifying this I may collate new sources after my practitioner research and examining my findings.

HOW DO I KNOW WHAT LITERATURE IS RELEVENT?

Reader 7 highlights a multiple of questions that will assist in understanding the significance of particular piece of text:

• When was the text written?
• Who is the author or publisher?
• Who is the audience target of the text?
• What is the format/style of the text? Does that have any impact regarding the reading of the text?
• Where was the text written/produced?
• What are the assumptions that the author publisher are making and how does this invite the reader to share them?

If I were to analyse an audio/image I would explore:

• What is being shown?
• Where is the viewer’s eye drawn to in the image and why?
• What is the purpose of this image?
• What use is made of colour?
• What are the components on the image?
• Whose knowledge’s are excluded from this representation?
• Is this a contradictory image?

By using these questions as a researching structure on literature I will be able to analyse and compare my findings efficiently and affectively!

A SWOT & STEP method may prove resourceful within analysing my findings.

S.W.O.T = Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats

S.T.E.P = Social, Technological, Environmental and Political

Whilst continuing to create a Learning/Reflective Journal I wish to analyse my accounts by using this structuring strategy within my diary entries:

1.    Description of the situation

2.    Analysis of the situation considering internal, external, sociological, technological, political and organisational factors

3.    Examination of the logical outcomes of these factors

4.    Rational explanation of the situation and consequent actions to be taken.

PRESENTING DATA AND ANALYSIS?

My main bulk of data will be qualitative as I will be using extracts from my reflective diary/Journal and interviews, presented in summary form and as quotes.

As I am in the beginning sector of Module 3 I have not thought about the method I will use to analyse data however ‘Reader 7’ have explained analysis like ‘a triangle of data’ (Reader 7)

These 3 steps include:

LITERATURE: expertise from others and from a collected body of knowledge in my field and beyond

DATA: findings from your inquiry

EXPERIENCE: relating your insider-researcher understanding

I will be creating a blog regarding ‘How to research’ (Blaxter, Hughes, Tight) as the section of their book highlights a multiple of data handling methods and techniques.