Practical 6 - Reflections

a. Do you think it is more effective to search the invisible web (databases) than using search engines, meta-search or subject directories? Why?

b. Will you use the invisible web (databases) for research in your own respective Diplomas? Why?


A) I would say all these categories have their pros and cons. The invisible web is less accesible than most other search databases and utilities. We tried TP Spark today, and that has proven to be useful in the sense of how they categorize the results into relevance, author, source and date. This is extremely useful to easily choose results. Some harder to find resources can also be found through the invisible web. Which proves to be extremely helpful

B) Yes. Design-wise, we're always looking for ways to imporve design for society instead of creating mere aesthetics. There are many times live briefs are related to social issues like Singapore's aging population, youth and so on. These topics need alot of R&D and the invisible web would hold many resources for a good foundation of such issues where we can work upon. I think research and development is very essential in many many other disciplines other than design.