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=iChat= "digital communication.. the way it should be"

General Description

 * Designed by Apple exclusively for the Mac OS, iChat is a multi-medium chat interface which one can use to port into any Jabber, AOL or Mac messaging account(s) they have. Once connected to any of these protocols, one has the ability to participate in video or audio chats, in addition to the traditional instant messaging via on-screen text. While the functionality offered is similar to several other online chat programs on the World Wide Web, iChat sets itself aside through aiming at not only perfecting those features but boasting a clean, simplified and user friendly interface which transforms what is traditionally a virtual object into a virtual environment.

Usability Goals

 * Virtual environments which enable communication are available in all forms, but should always maintain a strong focus on three usability goals: efficiency, utility and memorability. iChat’s efficiency is at an excellent level as it provides no interrupting dialogue windows, and most significantly, involves no effort required beyond a single click, whether the desired task be audio, video or textual communication with anyone. The efficiency of iChat also extends into one’s screen real estate, of which there is no excess usage through any sort of useless interface background visuals or large buttons. While it may not include screen sharing or whiteboard ability, the utility of iChat is well engineered as each feature is error-free and easy to use. Through that very ease of use, ranging from clear, iconic buttons for all activity options (audio/video/textual), to drag and drop of files into chat windows or contact names, one finds success in the memorability of this intuitive design. The result of this state of usability is that the usage becomes one focused on the communicating members within this created environment, rather than the mastering of a computational endeavor.

User Experience Goals

 * Through engineering a strong backbone of standard hardware support, iChat creates an enjoyable user experience, allowing one to utilize any Bluetooth earpiece, iSight (built-in or external) webcam or hard-wired microphone (built-in or external) instantly, applying the same mere click functionality to set those variables. The minimalism found in iChat’s interface gives an aesthetically pleasing experience as it allows one to focus on the true function of iChat: multimodal communication. Apple Computer’s iChat is helpful as it gives the user an entourage of excellent features without the hassle: seamless integration of one-on-one or multi-person high quality video (where the virtual environment is literally visualized as a space with three to four three persons images angled to face one-another), audio and textual chat, facilitating enhanced collaboration as well as a mode for displaced friends or family relatives to remain in touch, with an ease never experienced before.

Screen Shots

 * Videochat
 * [[image:ichat_video.jpg]]
 * Audiochat
 * [[image:ichat_audio.jpg]]
 * Text chat with embedded visuals
 * [[image:ichat_chat.jpg]]