tyler_short_dhtools

One design choice I made in Scalar was placing a large image at the top of my page. The image shows me standing on a golf course holding my golf bag. I placed this image first so viewers would immediately see something important about me before reading any text.

Scalar made this choice easy because it allows images to be placed directly inside the page with text. Since Scalar pages are designed for scrolling, putting the image at the top helps guide the viewer to start there and then move down the page.

This connects to a design idea from our Graphic Design reading called visual hierarchy. Visual hierarchy means that larger or more noticeable items grab attention first. By placing a large image at the top, the viewer's attention goes to the image before the text.

Another design choice I made in Scalar was placing images next to short sections of text. For example, I included a sunset photo of a lake to represent my interest in spending time outside and relaxing near water.

Scalar helped with this because the site is designed to tell stories using images and text together. It lets you place media inside the page so the viewer can move through the content step by step.

This connects to a website design idea called chunking information. Chunking means breaking information into smaller sections so it is easier to read and understand. By using images with short text sections, the page becomes easier to follow.

In Omeka I used an exhibit style layout where each image is shown as its own item with a description. One example is the photo of me with my football coach after a game.

Omeka shaped this decision because it is designed for digital collections and exhibits. Instead of placing images inside a story like Scalar, Omeka encourages users to upload items with information about them.

This connects to a website design idea about organizing content clearly. When each item has its own space and description, it is easier for viewers to understand what they are looking at.

Another design choice I made in Omeka was including information about each image. I added details about what the photo shows and why it is important.

Omeka encourages this because it requires documentation for items. This helps turn the images into more meaningful pieces of information instead of just pictures.

This connects to a design idea about giving viewers context. When people know the background of something, they can understand its importance more clearly.