- Working Knowledge of Graphic Design Software and Digital Tools
- As my degree is in Graphic Design with emphasis in Web Design, I have tried to gain experience in creating websites as well. I have been fortunate to create multiple Google Sites for different events and programs. Another program that I started was Virtual Escape Rooms. I made several of these virtual escape rooms and created the website to hold them all and for patrons to be able to find and play them easily. The Virtual Escape Rooms were made using several different online software such as Google Slides, Google Forms and of course Google Sites.
- Elements of Design
- The elements of design in this project are represented in the layout of the website. Each of the escape rooms are organized in subpages and then in rows on each of these pages. Each escape room is also represented with a single image, a description below and a “Play Now” button below that. This method of display creates a proper hierarchy to help legibility. The banner image at the top of each subpage is also adjusted with a dark shadow above it to read the text while also still being able to see the image. The background of each page is also light to contrast with the dark text. While the footer of the website provides information about the library. Another crucial feature of the website is the navigation which is at the top of the page and is responsive for use on different devices.
- Creative Self-Expression and Originality
- My originality is expressed in the use of Google Sites to organize the Virtual Escape Rooms and within the creation of each of the escape rooms as well. I enjoyed being able to choose a color scheme for the website as well as the font. As these virtual escape rooms are for all ages I decided to organize them first by type then by age group. As I feel that the “Classic” escape rooms can be played by all ages I feel that it is necessary to first organize by type first. As the first escape room that I completed had a series of doors I also wanted to incorporate that in the banners of each page.
- Evidence of Thoughtful and Appropriate Critique Skills
- I asked for input from my colleagues as I trust they would be honest about my designs especially since this particular site is part of our programs. One colleague, Amy Serrata believed that some of the titles needed to be changed to reflect the contents of each of the subpages (Serrata, 2024). I utilized this feedback and changed the title text to reflect the suggestions. She also mentioned that I should change the original banner image, which was a magical door opening as it was difficult to see it due to how dark the image was. I also took this advice into consideration and changed the image to that of the series of doors to reflect the first Virtual Escape Room I created.
- Evidence of Following Directions
- The goal of the project was to organize the Virtual Escape Rooms in a manner that would fit the needs of a patron. First was looking for a free service as the library did not have the budget to pay for more pages for our website. Using a free Google Site would allow us to easily access and share our library website. Eventually, the escape rooms were all placed on the site and then organized into subpages and then rows. By finding a free service that can be easily shared on other sites and even social media I was able to complete the task.
- Craftsmanship and Attention to Detail
- Attention to detail is in each and every Virtual Escape Room that is included on this site. Each escape room has interactivity and customized designs that take the patron on a journey based on the theme. For example, the “Dino Realm Escape” included a turkey that was hiding within each of the design frames and when clicked upon by the patron the turkey animates. The website itself includes elements that are detailed such as the library information at the bottom, the custom navigation as well as the format and layout of each of the pages in the site.
Reference
(Serrata, A, personal communication, October 5, 2024)