Existing interactive products & delivery platforms (U4: P1,M1)

P1 (U4): Describe interactive media products

Quizlet

Quizlet is available on both smartphones and desktops/ websites.

Quizlet is an educational app that allows users to create and discover revision tools for a variety of school and other subjects. Interestingly, the app is free for users but offers a premium version for a small fee to those users who wish to utilise the additional features offered such as more personalised study sets/ tests and the ability to scan your notes. Furthermore, this website/ app has been created primarily for students to help them organise notes and keep all their study materials in one place which, through the app, can be taken with them anywhere. Remarkably, the primary purpose of this service is to educate students and allow them to have fun while doing it too- through the use of the memory games on the site. The service aims to promote hard work, students are able to create their own study sets (flashcards) on the app or website and can therefore use the site for self-discipline, leading to more motivated and hardworking students.

Design components and interactive features

Image: Quizlet.com (website)

The layout for the website differs from the one seen on the app however, it still features the same content and general style components such as colours, fonts, and buttons. Interestingly, the website allows users to see more information in one place due to the wider screen devices websites are typically accessed on. Furthermore, both formats display an advert for companies who pay to advertise on the service- perhaps due to similarities in target audiences. 
The animations and sound effects on both the app and website are the same, when the flash card is clicked the card flips in the same motion on both. While there aren't any sound effects per se, the service offers an option for an automated voice to read out the contents of a flashcard term or explanation and this is available on both the website and app.  

Image: Quizlet.com (app)

Significantly, the games on the service provide users with a more entertaining option for learning, this proves useful for many as they are able to better retain information in this way. The interactive feature of the two games available on Quizlet helps the site attract its target audience who are primarily young people who would enjoy this component.

An additional difference between the two formats is the use of buttons, while the website uses words to describe what activity each button will carry out, the app uses icons to save space on the smaller page. For instance, you can see the '+' button at the bottom of the screen on the app, indicating to users where they must go to create a new set/folder although the website has the word 'create' with a drop-down bar so users can choose what they'd like to create (set/ folder). Moreover, the app displays the sets in a couple lines with the option to scroll across to discover other sets whereas the website displays 3 per row, allowing users to scroll down to discover other sets. Finally, the website clearly displays the use of cookies in the bottom left-hand corner through the use of a bright green cookie icon so users are aware their data is being somewhat collected and therefore can decide to accept/ deny this.
Overall the two are very similar with a few small differences, primarily for the purpose of becoming more compact to fit the size of the screen they've been displayed on.

Screenshot- annotations

Website

App

Benefits

Quizlet has been successful in achieving the main aim of the service which is providing a tool to allow students to better understand their work, study more effectively, and overall aid their users' education. Interestingly, Quizlet provides games on their sites to allow an alternative method of studying for those students who prefer a more interactive approach to learning- the interactive features appeal more to the target audience, therefore, making it more successful. In addition, the app is available for download on any phone and therefore is portable, allowing users to revise any time/ place. Furthermore, the service makes it really easy for users to organise their notes and therefore learn more efficiently, motivating them more to work harder and proving Quizlet's purpose of education overall benefitting the users.

Limitations

The Quizlet app and website are unavailable without Wi-Fi/ Data unless the premium package has been purchased, so the service will not always be useable which can cause a setback for the students using the app. Interestingly, this limitation could lead users to feel the app isn't worth downloading and therefore cause the company to grow unsuccessful. Additionally, other users on the app have the option to share notes or keep them locked and while Quizlet isn't at fault, users might become frustrated if they desperately need those notes which prove unavailable to them and thus blame Quizlet- damaging the reputation. Finally, the service allows anyone to create and share information and therefore there is no guarantee that the information is accurate so users might feel misled if they use the information for exams and work.

Effectiveness

Overall, Quizlet is a very effective tool for students as it has many great tools to utilize and offers the opportunity to share and collaborate with other students to improve their overall grades. Furthermore, from personal experience as well as communicating with my peers I have discovered that those in my class who achieve the top grades also utilise the tools Quizlet provides and therefore suggests a direct correlation between the two- proving its overall effectiveness.

Legal and ethical considerations

One legal consideration for Quizlet might be providing false or misleading information through their service. Interestingly, all the information found on Quizlet through study sets is created by other users and left unmonitored by the Quizlet team which could lead users to make false claims and therefore damage someone's success in exams or other related areas. Furthermore, while Quizlet does not claim this information to be 100% accurate, they should try to make an effort to monitor it to ensure no information is too misleading or else face potential legal action from their customers.

An ethical consideration facing Quizlet might be the data protection act, Quizlet has access to personal information about its users through the use of cookies as well as sign-up requirements such as inputting your school or workplace. Therefore, the company should ensure this information is protected and only seen by those employees who need to access the information if this gets into the wrong hands it can become dangerous and lead to serious damages to the company's reputation.

Amazon

Amazon began as a book company, but quickly grew and now sells all products anything from suitcases to laptops and other high-value items. The company uses online platforms to promote and sell a vast variety of products and has over 200 million members who are loyal to Amazon. Interestingly, shopping on Amazon is free for users although they must make an account, there is an option to purchase a prime account which comes with rewards for instance; faster shipping, and access to Amazon music, films, and Kindle books. The purpose of Amazon is to provide consumers with a one-stop shop where they are able to buy anything they need from the comfort of their own homes.

Design components and interactive features

Image: Amazon.com (website)

The website and app for Amazon are very similar, it's a uniform to present a professional front for the business through maintaining a standard house style. Interestingly, the website has a horizontal layout due to the devices it's accessed on, the larger space this layout provides allows more information and clickable pages to be displayed and is therefore often favoured over the app. On the other hand, the app provides the same information in a more compact way and the app is downloadable on smartphones, making it portable and thus more convenient for some audiences. 
The website has a horizontal layout, the masthead -which doubles as a button to return to the home page- is displayed in the top left corner, and the basket/ profile details are in the top right-hand corner making it easy for customers to locate. In addition, the site displays a series of adverts and promotional images for various products being sold to persuade interested customers to purchase more. 

Image: Amazon App

The Amazon app displays the same information in a more modern and compact way, using icons to indicate what each button will do, for instance, the person icon will take customers to their profile settings/ details. Furthermore, you are able to see a section called 'Deals of the day' on the app version which is likely a very popular promotion as customers enjoy saving money and taking advantage of deals. 
On Amazon, there are no sound features but it is interactive in the way customers make purchases by clicking through tabs and scrolling down product lists to find the item they're searching for. Furthermore, the majority of products offer reviews that allow customers to communicate through written reviews as well as images to display a real-life photo of the product- allowing customers to better understand what they're purchasing. Additionally, there is a star-based ranking system for products to give a quick understanding for customers before delving further into an item. 

Screenshots- annotations

Website

App

Benefits

Amazon has many benefits for users, the purpose of the service is to provide a more convenient shopping experience and therefore goes to great lengths to ensure this is achieved and the overall service proves beneficial for users. One benefit of the service is the accessibility, the app can be downloaded on any smartphone and accessed merely through a log-in and therefore allows users to purchase a product anytime they need it and with the prime service, they could receive it as soon as the next day. Additionally, the website and app are easy to use for all customers and provide adequate information for customers to make justified decisions about purchases. Finally, the interactive search bar and use of cookies allow the products you need easier to find and therefore a more convenient overall shopping experience for all customers.

Limitations

The service Amazon provides has many benefits, however there are a few limitations which apply to customers. For instance, while many products are of a good quality- many beloved brands are not available on the site for purchase, Amazon have partnerships with many other companies to ensure customers of these brands are attracted to shop more on Amazon too. However, many companies wish to sell their products from their company alone and therefore are unavailable on Amazon which might limit some of the businesses sales as customers might not trust the quality of unknown branded items and therefore choose to shop somewhere else. Additionally, not all of Amazon's products are available for prime (next day) delivery and this could aggravate some customers if they previously thought products would arrive the following day- therefore not having the item for the date they needed. 

Effectiveness

Amazon is very effective in its purpose, it aims to help shoppers purchase items more conveniently to reduce the need to go to multiple shops to get all the items required. The shopping company provides a wide range of products to cater to all customers and therefore is effective in allowing customers to buy everything they need from one place- increasing convenience for consumers. While the purchase is not immediate due to the delivery period, the minimal shopping time that is used still appeals to customers and therefore improves the overall experience for shoppers proving the company successful.

Legal and ethical considerations

One legal issue the shopping company might need to consider is the intellectual property rights act and copyright laws, the E-commerce store sells many products online from a variety of suppliers so they must ensure these suppliers have the right to sell the products as well as ensure Amazon themselves have the right to sell the products. For instance, Amazon has a partnership with Apple to sell products through their website so they must regularly check this contract to ensure they are allowed to sell it, therefore, avoiding any legal issues which may arise from selling products they're not licensed to do so.

Interestingly, an ethical issue that Amazon might face could be the sustainability of the brand. With so many orders being shipped every day, Amazon has accumulated a large carbon footprint and this can be both harmful to the environment as well as the company's reputation. Interestingly, Amazon also uses a lot of packaging for their products which can be seen as unsustainable, therefore Amazon will need to consider this and create new initiatives to reduce the waste and the company's overall impact on the environment, or else risk their reputation.

Netflix

Netflix is an online streaming service who's purpose is to provide entertainment for customers through a variety of movie and tv show titles from many genres. Significantly, the service began as a DVD rental service where customers would order a movie title and then receive a DVD copy for a small fee. The billion dollar company now operates as a video on demand service in which customers are able to watch titles online through the website platform or an app which is able to be downloaded on any smartphone device. Interestingly, the platforms this service is available on provides many benefits such as offline watching through downloading as well as the ability to watch anything at anytime with no advert interruptions- making it a very successful company and popular among its audiences.

Design components and interactive features

Image: Netflix.com (website)

The Netflix website is presented in a horizontal display, and the movie titles are displayed in related rows- 'trending now', 'comedies', and a variety of other genres/ recommendations for the account user based off of previous viewing activities. Along the top you are able to select various pages to better search for the entertainment you wish, the pages are categorised and will help guide you to find a title if you're unsure what you're looking for, however, if you know the exact movie you are able to search using the search bar (displayed by the magnifying glass icon: top right-hand corner). In addition, the icon in the top right-hand corner is a profile photo for the account user, each account has a set number of profiles so a family is able to share but still receive personalised recommended content and view titles alone at their own discretion for Netflix to further appeal to audiences. Significantly, the profile photo is able to be changed by the user and Netflix offers a range of images from the shows available on the streaming service.

Image: Netflix (App)

The app for Netflix uses a vertical display and has less space due to the black box device it's downloaded on, many of the display features are shown with icons or accessible on a different page to make it more compact- allowing it to fit on the page. Interestingly, the bottom row of icons displays recommendations, popular content, and the page on which the user is able to see a list of their downloads- these icons imply the activity carried out by the button to make it clear to users. Interestingly, a new feature on the app is the 'games' tab where users (specifically younger audiences) are able to play games, therefore expanding the appeal and better attracting a younger target audience. These games are exclusive to Netflix users and available for free to play within the app, expanding the product range will allow Netflix to generate more revenue and therefore increase overall success.

All titles are displayed with a promotional image that includes a character from the show/movie and the title, when hovering over a title on the website, or clicking on it through the app, there will be additional information about the content such as a synopsis and sometimes a trailer or short clip to entice viewers and help them decide. Interestingly, most TV shows have a short introduction song which includes a series of video clips from the show- Netflix has recognised this 20-30 clip is often skipped and therefore programmed the app, website, and TV viewing platforms to offer a 'Skip Intro' button as a way to accommodate viewers and gain a more positive reputation. This feature appears based on viewer activity, after the viewer has skipped an introduction several times- the app will register this and offer the 'Skip Intro' button. 
Some interactive features of the app also include subtitles, playback speed, next episode buttons, and 'My List'. The 'My List' feature allows users to find titles they're interested in viewing and save them in one space to view at a later date, this feature keeps customers loyal and encourages them to return to view the titles they save.

Finally, Netflix have a new platform for online users called Netflix Party, this feature allows members to watch films and shows with friends online at the same time. Viewers are able to watch simultaneously while writing messages to each other in a display on the side of the screen, this feature was released during lockdown to help better connect people while they were stuck at home. 

Screenshots- annotations 

Website

App

Benefits

Netflix is an amazing streaming platform that offers a wide variety of content for everyone. Interestingly, one of the main benefits of the subscription-based streaming service is having no adverts- many viewers don't enjoy advert disruptions during their viewing time and therefore this is a major benefit for audiences and entices many to purchase a subscription. Interestingly, Netflix believes viewing should be an immersive experience which means short breaks for advertising would ruin this experience and take viewers out of the moment. Furthermore, the app allows for viewers to download content to their smartphones and view movies/ TV shows anywhere without an internet connection, making the service portable and more convenient for customers. In a world where we must constantly be entertained this feature is a major selling point for the app. Finally, the service collects cookies and uses previous data from the account to determine what a customer might enjoy watching and therefore makes recommendations for the members by promoting certain titles and giving a percentile rating of how close a match the title would be (and how much you'd enjoy it) based off previous viewing activity. 

Limitations

Some of Netflix's content is only available in specific countries so someone in the UK might not be able to view the same shows as someone in the US and therefore this can be frustrating for customers if they wish to watch a show their friends/ family have been watching overseas. Interestingly, this can sometimes lead customers to use a VPN which is considered unethical as it can be viewed as a form of stealing because that content shouldn't be available to you. In addition, some Netflix shows aren't exclusive to Netflix so if a new season of a show comes out and begins airing on networks it will only be available on Netflix as a complete season a period after the actual release of the show and therefore customers might be behind and subject to spoilers from social media platforms as well as friends/ family who have watched it on regular TV channels.

Effectiveness
Netflix aims to entertain its audience and through the vast range of content available on the platform I believe they have been successful in this venture. Interestingly, Netflix offers a range of genres to ensure they cater to all their consumers and thus ensure everyone is satisfied with the streaming service and all they offer. Furthermore, the company creates Netflix original content based off of the trends they see in viewing to ensure they are able to give their customers what they want, overall increasing the effectiveness of the company through satisfying their customer's entertainment needs.

Legal and ethical considerations

The streaming service creates many of their own titles and therefore copyrights this content to ensure it isn't stolen however one legal issue they might face is the rights to the character featured in the shows being copyrighted themselves. For instance, Netflix is currently facing a lawsuit due to the Netflix original film Enola Holmes which follows the life of Sherlock Holmes' sister- Sherlock's character is featured in the film but Netflix never obtained the rights to the character and therefore is facing a massive lawsuit.

One ethical implication faced by Netflix could be the content streamed on the platform itself. While the company has made the effort to restrict some content through age ratings and children's accounts, the system is not fully secure and children can still gain access to more mature content if they know how. Significantly, this will lead to exposing more mature and inappropriate themes to young audiences which could scar them and end up ruining Netflix's reputation so this is something they should consider and take further action to ensure the mature content is more secure/ difficult to access.

M1 (U4): Compare and contrast the use of different platforms and formats for delivering interactive media products 

Benefits

Interestingly, Quizlet is an educational platform accessible online and through an app, therefore providing the most convenient use by allowing students to study at any time. The platforms have a uniform display, using the same colours, fonts, and elements to make up the overall layout and therefore present a professional front for users, making the online educational service more credible and trusted. 

Furthermore, the app is targeted toward a younger audience and therefore ensures the colours used are bright and bold to better appeal to the audience as well as including easy-to-use elements that will make the idea of studying more appealing, for instance; games. Significantly, Netflix also has a uniform layout in both the app and website to present an easy-to-use service that users can navigate no matter the device, unlike Quizlet, the streaming service caters to older audiences as well so making the navigation the same across all platforms is essential to the satisfaction of customers who might take longer to understand the software. The Netflix streaming service uses a house style of red and black colours, Consolas fonts, and the same controls/ sound effects to ensure all users are able to recognise and establish the streaming service from others. Additionally, Netflix has used uniformity across all devices and platforms to ensure they demonstrate a united front to customers, making the business look more professional and valued. Finally, Amazon also uses a uniform layout to keep a level of consistency between the two platforms, Amazon has a variety of subsidiary companies such as Amazon Music and Prime video so they must ensure the shopping service is separate and can still be identified. Remarkably, Amazon ensures to use the same advertisements on both the app and website to further promote the product to audiences, unlike Quizlet which promotes products they believe the user will like based on cookies and previous searches.
Overall, each of these interactive services is beneficial to customers and uses uniformity to ensure they are memorable and satisfactory for all audiences. Additionally, I believe the Netflix app looks the best as titles are easy to find but different ones are promoted on each platform and therefore ensures audiences are exposed to a wider variety of content.

Effectiveness 

All the interactive products I have looked into have worked remarkably well on both platforms (app and website) with little to no issues or changes on either. However, the main factor which differed between the platforms was the size of the device it was accessed on, while I am aware this is at the user's own discretion, I did find that it was significantly better to use all three products on the website due to the laptop/ desktop access. For instance, the Netflix website proved much more effective than the app as the primary purpose of the streaming service is to entertain audiences and I found, using the website was a more enjoyable and immersive experience than the app. Interestingly, this was due to both size of the device as well as sound quality and lack of distractions which are often expected when using any smartphone device (notifications). However, a key selling point for Quizlet's services is the portability and convenience of the app version, therefore, making this the more effective and favourable choice for most users. Interestingly, most of the features and graphics have been designed for optimization through the app, for instance, the flashcards work and look better on the app, with the flip action of the card running smoother. Quizlet has set out to improve exam grades by giving its users more appealing and convenient ways to learn their work, the app simply works better in providing this and therefore satisfies the purpose. Finally, Amazon works well on both platforms but for differing purposes. When customers wish to browse products and take their time deciding on an item, They are likely to use the website due to the larger display. This will better exhibit each item, guiding customers in making more justified decisions for their purchases. However, the app will prove more convenient for many customers and may help them to compare prices and purchase products on the go increasing convenience. 
Overall, each interactive product is effective on each platform offered but some customers will favour one over the other based on their own personal needs and what they wish to receive from the product. For instance, if a customer wishes to watch Netflix while traveling, the app will prove more satisfactory due to the download feature in conjunction with the portability of the small black box device the app is used upon.

Limitations

The interactive products I explored all achieved their ultimate purposes and therefore were successful but this is not to say none of them had no limitations. Interestingly, while Netflix offers a download option for the content found within their app, Quizlet doesn't offer this same feature unless the user purchases the premium package. Furthermore, Quizlet's primary aim is to provide convenience and a service that allows users to study anywhere but the app requires an internet connection for users to utilise their study sets. Therefore the service doesn't provide all users with the downloadable option and this proves to be a limitation for users without the premium Quizlet package, leading to many customers not using the app as often and not recommending it to friends- reducing audience reach. Significantly, Amazon is the same and cannot be utilised without an internet connection which will be very limiting for some customers if they wish to purchase a product while they're out and don't have an internet connection. Additionally, Amazon is also limited in the selling of products due to these products often being available elsewhere due to exclusivity deals. For instance, the apple products sold on Amazon can also be purchased at several other stores and therefore might limit the amount sold through the E-commerce store, leading to an overall decrease in total sales revenue. Finally, Netflix is available for all customers both on and offline (unlike Quizlet and Amazon) which puts them at an advantage over other competing brands which might not offer the same feature. However, the package you purchase will correlate to how many devices you are able to use at any one time which can limit many customers who purchase a package for their family. Furthermore, if the account is for 4 devices but there are 5 people in your family this might cause arguments within the family and lead to major limitations for the users, possibly resulting in negative reputations and reviews.
Overall, all interactive products have limitations that could result in a poor reputation for the overall service but the interactive apps I've investigated have positive features which outweigh the negatives and therefore have grown and remained successful.

Image: Amazon (App)

Image: Netflix (App)

In conclusion, all the interactive products I have looked into have been very successful in their fields and therefore have immense positives and prove effective overall. However, success is often followed by scandal, and therefore many of these services have been involved in lawsuits or negative rumours at some point which can be damaging to the reputation. Nevertheless, these services are all still successful which proves their overall worth, effectiveness, and ability to satisfy their audiences.