User Need: “ I would like my system to respond very quickly. I don’t want to WAIT”
AJAX: A classic example where Technology was BENT to suit User needs. AJAX = Asynchronous JavaScript and XML
Traditionally in Web based Applications, the interaction between the Human and the Computer was Synchronous in nature. User performs a task and WAITS for the System to respond. LATENCY was involved in these interactions. Latency was assumed to be an integral part of the interaction.
Flash based Rich Internet Applications, brought down the latency levels drastically, but then, there was a plug-in dependency and then the user had to WAIT upfront, for the entire rich client to load first.
This latency is now drastically reduced by the introduction of another layer (AJAX engine) between the Client and the Web Server. The system response/interaction happens ASYNCHRONOUSLY. This means that certain parts of the system response/interaction (viz. data validation, action confirmation etc.,) can happen instantly/contextually through the AJAX engine, instead of going all the way to the Web Server. Owing to XMLHttpRequests, data can be manipulated without having to refresh the entire web page again in the web browser.
Think this innovation has happened because those designer blokes in have tried BEND technology to suits User’s needs. They have bundled multiple technologies like Java Script, DOM, XHTML & CSS, and XML etc., to reduce latency and improve user experience.
AJAX’s Mistakes :
AJAX based applications >>
Writely. AJAX based Online word processor.
NumSum AJAX based Online spreadsheets
Zuggest
More Ajax Examples >
http://blogs.zdnet.com/web2explorer/index.php?p=20
Read More >>
Jesse James Garrett’s take on AJAX
http://www.adaptivepath.com/publications/essays/archives/000385.php
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AJAX
AJAX pages >
http://ajax-pages.sourceforge.net/
Google has been a great example. Gmail, Google maps, Google groups, all use AJAX. Honestly, it is the way to go. Hotmail and Yahoo mail interfaces look so crap now.
One thing though -when is anyone going to make a news site based on AJAX? Our lovely national daily could use some tips – The times of India is the crappiest web design ever.
Anyway, good to know somebody’s excited about it in bangalore – though I am not sure how many in this city are working on applications based around it!
Hey Pranay,
Think the main reason for Google’s success is that they center their SDLC process around User’s needs and then find development solutions to match the requirements.
Guess AJAX impementation will be the next big thing, atleat in Bangalore. and its time for web developers showcase their AJAX competencies in their resumes.
AJAX is definitely catching up; we were looking at this in my workplace. Flickr is another example for AJAX based web application.
Hey Muthu !
As someone mentioned earlier.. its great that someone in Bangalore is talking about this stuff. I have been on the lookout for a like-minded person with AJAX expertise or even the will to experiment with new web technologies.
Having an idea and not having the resource to execute it is the worst dilemma.
Could you suggest anyone who you think is working in this domain ?
Also.. I am a Communication+Interaction designer, and am really interested in understanding what the xdesign Team at Sun does.
Cheers!
Hey Gaurabh, Nice to meet another Designer!
There are lots people who are working on AJAX. Get in touch with Amit Ranjan from Uzanto Delhi . He will give you some leads.
We at chakpak.com are using simple ajax. It definitely improves the UI.
But more complicated ajaxy applications should be thought of carefully ..