A round-up of news, sites and humour from the last few days.

Social Media

Astroturfing is rampant on Twitter

If you don’t already know this term, well, it refers to imitating or faking popular grassroots opinion or behaviour.  Researchers have found evidence that  political campaigns and special-interest groups are using fake Twitter accounts to give the impression of a vast political movement.

 

User Experience

What do UX professionals have in common? (interactive card sort)

C’mon all professionals working in the field of User Experience…this interactive card sort lets you sort your skills and specialist areas, to provide insight in to what User Experience Professionals have in common.

 

Do Photos of People Improve Ecommerce Conversion?

Do “friendly faces and culturally appropriate colors” increase conversion?  It appears they can, but most importantly take the time to understand what works for your target audience…

 

Expedia on how one extra data field can cost $12m

I’m puzzled to how this happened.  Yes, statistical analysis helped to root out why customers who clicked the 'Buy Now' button did not complete the transaction.  But is this something testing should have flagged up?

 

Education & Careers 

Technology enhances learning (infograph)

How effective are different forms of education materials.  The Teachers response to this are shown in this infograph.

 

Course in Lady Gaga offered at US university

What is happening to education?  Students at a US university are being offered a course in the pop singer Lady Gaga.

 

Get a Job Through YouTube

Is there anything more personal to a job application than a video? It beats paper hands down so no surprise that people are turning to YouTube as a creative way to go get hired.

 

Fun (and educational)

Keep obsolete and unusual words alive

We’re having great fun in our Interactive Media team adopting obsolete and unusual words from the Oxford English Dictionary's interactive words wall.  It’s a concept that's screaming out to be more social, but still plenty of fun to be had.

 

eCommerce

High fashion stoops to e-commerce to find new markets (video)

Many luxury brands are nervous about the Internet, worrying an online presence will dilute the sense of exclusivity. Are we turning a corner as big players are beginning to sell high-end items online?

 

Technology

Apple is shifting black iPhones by the million, but for some reason it can't even manufacture the white variety, let alone sell it

Back in June at the unveiling of the iPhone 4, CEO Steve Jobs announced two models: one black, one white. The white phone has failed to make it to market.  Why are the white models more challenging to manufacture?

Given the choice, would you prefer the black or white model?