Tips for digital exhibits
Introduction
It is incredibly difficult to move an exhibit that is planned for a physical space to a virtual one. At first glance, it seems like it should be easy: cases become pages, item layout becomes fixed, and large-panel essays become introductory ones. But virtual exhibits represent their own challenges that are easy to overlook until it is too late. A few best practices can make all the difference.
Page Layout, Navigation, and Sequencing
When visitors experience a physical exhibit, they may choose their own learning path, but they often know where to begin (even if they choose not to do so). Digital exhibits are very different; because of search engines, linking, and other ways of pointing into the middle of a site rather than at its start, users may enter a digitial exhibit with no indication of its beginning or where it ends. It can be difficult to create a "mental map" of the site as a result. For example, a user that Googles “Union engineering” or “Union women admittance” might click on a link that brings them to a second- or third-tier page in navigation. This can be incredibly difficult when planning a virtual presence!
Conclusion: make sure each page can stand on its own.
View an example of a digital exhibit website from Special Collections
Accessibility and universal design
Keep in mind principles of readability and sequence on the page itself. Tips:
- Instead of linking the word “here” or the phrase “click here,” use meaningful text for links. Screen readers often skip text and read only links, which will result in a page reading of “here, here, click here, next” instead of the desired intent.
- Sequencing can be difficult when resizing pages or text. Ensure readability by adding horizontal lines between sections and grouping images together that are connected. One image per paragraph is often a good rule of thumb.
- Ensure captions and alt text are descriptive.
Imaging
Images should help illustrate your exhibit. Think about whether each image should stand alone, are part of a sequence, or for graphic interest. Union's Omeka instance offers many options for you. For more information, view "Media Showcase Slider" and "Image Options" on The Different Types of Blocks.
For example, the following is a "Media showcase slider" block. This acts like a full width gallery slideshow, which is great if you want your audience to view photos in large detail.
Kay Flickinger Dockstader Papers, 1910-1995
Kay Flickinger exhibit case
Kay Flickinger exhibit
Kay Flickinger Dockstader
Below is using the "Image Options" block. In this exmaple, we can opt to make the images linkable to their item level page, which will bring the visitor to the full detailed, metadata information about that item.
Need more help?
Be sure to explore all pages under "using Omeka" and the video instruction page on this site.