‘Bits
October 22nd, 2008 by Jim SpadacciniOver the last 18 months, we’ve received a lot of suggestions for new features for the ExhibitFiles site. One recurring request is to allow members to post not just full Case Studies or Reviews of exhibits and exhibitions, but short message or media elements. In other words, members could share one image (or video) or just an idea or a question. We’ve been thinking about how best to incorporate this potential new feature.
We want to make it easy to add media so we are envisioning a system that would allow for direct uploads to the ExhibitFiles server or links to images on Flickr, videos on YouTube, along with other services.
Here’s a few mock-ups of how it might work. The first one shows the “Add” page, where members are asked what they would like to contribute to the ExhibitFiles site.
The next screen shows how the ‘Bits main page might look. (Obviously, the gray thumbnails would be populated with images.)
Finally, here’s a mock-up of an individual ‘Bits page. We’re hoping to add the ability to make comments that have associated media files. Notice there is an integrated media-player. This improvement would also be added to Case Studies and Reviews.
This is all preliminary and we’re still working through the details. I didn’t post the proposed form for adding ‘Bits, as this has many layers due to the multiple choices. (There are lot’s of options for that screen, since we are allowing members to include images and video that already exists on external social media platforms).
We’re open to any comments or questions you might have about ‘Bits. We’ll let you know how this all progresses.
October 23rd, 2008 at 8:57 am
Thanks Jim. I think this is going to be a very important feature. Many people have told me that they don’t have a whole case study or review, but have a question or want to share something about their exhibit development and design process. I’m wondering if, in addition to the “one image, or just an idea” we will be able to add two ideas, or two images. It looks like people who comment on the “‘bits” will be able to add their own image, right? That could be a way for a conversation in the form of linked images. K
October 23rd, 2008 at 10:52 am
Kathy, Yes! We’re hoping we can have conversations where members can attach their own images, videos, links, etc. I think it would be a great way for us to talk about exhibits. Jim
December 19th, 2008 at 4:01 pm
I would definitely be interested in more flexible formats. I find the case study format restrictive, though in my mind case study, I tried to ignore the format. I’d especially like to be able to embed pictures in my post, not on the side. A bits format sounds useful.
Jim, are you reading this? I tried to report a bug, but there was a bug in the report a bug feature. It took me to ideum. What does that have to do with it?
I think the main exhibit files page needs a “suggestions” link.
Also it could use a help page. When I was doing my case study, I was looking for info about how to control the order of the photos and whether I could add formatting. It seems that some wiki style formatting works.
And one more thing, exhibit files doesn’t do a good job a remembering my login. Several times I have not logged in because I misremembered it and didn’t want to dig though my email to find it.
December 19th, 2008 at 4:45 pm
Erik,
I appreciate the comments. We are hoping to get the funding to develop the bits feature. The bug tracking software had an DNS issue that has since been resolved. We appreciate “suggestions” idea–the blog serves some of this function. We don’t currently have a remember my log in function (if you use Firefox its built, true of IE as well.)
Jim
January 21st, 2009 at 1:42 pm
Jim,
A ‘Bits feature, as you’ve described it, has the potential to be really helpful. I’ve wanted to ask questions about who’s using what media and technology out there but haven’t yet found a slick way to do so.
Cheers!
April 29th, 2009 at 3:21 pm
Hey Jim,
I really like this idea. I may never finish a case study or review but i do have lots little observations and photos to share. Definitely would be good to be able to post at least two images for close-ups of exhibit text. The ability to post a question would be really useful too.
Erik