Widgets Gone Wild
What is a widget?
Widgets are mini web applications that provide you with relevant, up-to-date information on a vast array of topics through a graphic interface. They are miniaturized versions of stand-alone applications, meaning you can embed them in other applications, like a website or desktop. You can find widgets that provide weather forecasts, stock quotes, news, search boxes for Google, eBay links, clocks, counters, games, RSS feeds (see “RSS”) and much much more.
Widgets are mini web applications that provide you with relevant, up-to-date information on a vast array of topics through a graphic interface. They are miniaturized versions of stand-alone applications, meaning you can embed them in other applications, like a website or desktop. You can find widgets that provide weather forecasts, stock quotes, news, search boxes for Google, eBay links, clocks, counters, games, RSS feeds (see “RSS”) and much much more.
As the name implies, a widget can be many things, and is small because it work as an “add-on.” Widgets’ compact size and usability have helped them become one of the most popular Web2.0 applications. In fact, you may already be using them. News feeds? Calendars? Horoscopes? Quotes of the day? Widgets customize your internet experience and save you the hassle of having to search for information.
Though badges and widgets are similar, there is a very important difference between the two. A badge is a small image used on websites to promote web standards, products used in the creation of a web page or product, or a specific content license that is applied to the content or design of a website. Think of badges as website bumper stickers; think of widgets as mini applications that feed you constantly updated information.
Advantages
The only real disadvantage to using widgets is that there are so many of them to choose from! Other than that, widgets are an invaluable Web2.0 experience. They allow you to:
The only real disadvantage to using widgets is that there are so many of them to choose from! Other than that, widgets are an invaluable Web2.0 experience. They allow you to:
-
Synch your desktop, browser, or hand-held device to online applications that keep you updated on everything.
-
Customize your browser toolbar, homepage, website, blog, or desktop to best represent your internet surfing needs.
-
Provide relevant information to your audience—that is, you can encourage users to embed the same widgets you use, or you can even create your own widgets. We'll talk about this a little later.
-
Create a more user-friendly experience. The slick graphical interface apparent in so many widgets is re-visualizing our web experience, making it easier (or at least more encouraging) to try out various applications.
Where do I find widgets?
There are many websites dedicated to widgets. Search for “widgets” and you will find a large number of resources: Yahoo! Widgets, Apple Downloads, iGoogle (called "Gadgets"), netvibes, to name a few. These sites provide different widget experiences. For instance, iGoogle allows you to create an iGoogle homepage, which acts as a widget directory and homepage all in one; Apple Downloads gives you the opportunity to download widgets to your Apple desktop; and netvibes gives you the option of adding widgets to your blog or websites.
It’s important to remember that you have certain widget options: desktop widgets, widget homepages, embedded widgets in your blog or website, and even toolbar widgets in your internet browser. As a charity, you may be interested in widgets that you can embed in your website; as a user, you may be interested in any of the other forms.
How do charities use them?
If you have a blog or a website, you may want to add widgets to make y our users’ experience more interactive. Many charities have started about by using news feed widgets, such as RSS, as well as creating their own widgets through the various widget sites.
If you have a blog or a website, you may want to add widgets to make y our users’ experience more interactive. Many charities have started about by using news feed widgets, such as RSS, as well as creating their own widgets through the various widget sites.
As well, you can also make your own widget and try to promote its use on blogs or popular social networking sites, such as MySpace and Facebook. To make your own widget, go to any of the above widget sites and click on the “create a widget” option. Usually, charity widgets consist of news feeds as these are the easiest widgets to learn; however, there are many other options. The best thing to do is explore the various sites—try searching for “charity” and “widgets” to get an idea of what is already out there.
Widgets can ultimately help your charity create a more interactive experience, but, most importantly, they make your internet surfing experience less cumbersome and more personalized.
