Are you having troubles navigating the sea of new image types? Saving a file used to be simple – programs had one option for how to save a document, plus image files were no more complicated than a jpeg. Times have changed however, and as our applications offer ever more ways to modify, edit and create images, so have the ways we share them evolved too.

Despite the opportunities that come with new ways to present images, the variety of file types is frankly, overwhelming. What might be a perfect option for your own viewing from a harddrive is suddenly too big to download when you post it online; what looked crisp in your image editor is suddenly a blurry mess after you save.

For example, a .jpeg is a perfect option if you’re sharing an image online and want a small file size. However, if you need sharper definition, say for a logo, a .png file is a better choice. A .png file is also what you need if you’re looking to preserve transparency in your image. That being said, .png files are often large and can take a long time to download. Add into this confusing soup the fact that only .gif files support image animation, and it’s no wonder losing your way is all too easy.

Knowing which filetypes support razor sharp edges, a variety of bright colors, transparent backgrounds, or animation takes time – time you may not have. Thankfully, the good people at the website Who Is Hosting This? have created an eye-popping, well-executed cheat sheet for determining which file you need, right now.

Featured photo credit: Mike via flickr.com

Technology has taken a vantage leap in providing solutions for man. Before now, technology used to appear complex and would require a great deal of expertise to handle solutions available. Today, we have technology applicable in the simplest human activities as smart products with intelligent algorithms powering them as they make error-free judgments and provide intelligent and analytic solutions.

Does technology have all the answers?

This article from Credit Suisse, tells us that technology does not have all the answers because it has been found to exhibit “similar biases,” as humans. No one can discredit the impact of technology, but it is not totally free of human input and this is the reason we experience these biases in many areas we have technology holding foot.

Creating technological solutions transparently

This article suggests that the process of creating technological solutions be made transparent and subject to contribution from many people who would end up as users of the product – male, female, young, old, learned, unlearned and all other preferences as we have them. It also underscores the importance of having women on product development teams. This approach is not sure to eliminate all forms of bias, but it is a good way to start in order to appraise the full benefits of technology.

Technology as the connecting tool

Technology so far has been a major connecting tool amongst us humans. It is used and appreciated by all regardless of race, language and sex. In order to keep it less subjective to these arguments about human biases. I believe we should gather opinions on products and solutions before making them available to the public. This could be done by gathering input from intended target users and receiving feedback across the stages of production.

“Recognizing the problem is a start…success will depend on inclusive technologies that meet this vast untapped market.” This cannot be more apt especially at a time when we look up to technology for solutions. We should not muzzle our progress with technology by battling algorithm bias. The first way to avoid this battle is by reading this article here.