I will attempt to combine a few different
themes within my web presentation project, as the project in turn evolves
into its final form. With some effort, I would like to design a type of
travelogue, guide, and quasi-business exposition model, since elements
from all three design types will have usefulness for my purposes.
I would like to arrange a type of "synergy" among a few disparate
elements in the area of outdoor recreation, and attempt to blend together
in a pleasing arrangement which will also point to the commonality that
binds them in concept. The "quasi-business" angle will focus on a company
which promotes its "directed hikes and trips" into an area of the
southern White Mountains of New Hampshire as well as an adjunct
"sub-contractor" business which promotes and guides walks along and in
selected rivers and streams in the same region.
There is a travelogue angle involving the description of these riverine
environments, mountain landscapes, plants and animals, as well as
"neo-Thoreauvian" introspections about the ameliorative effects on a
hiker of a stroll through, or contemplation of, these environments. This
may be an ambitious undertaking in a way, since any one of these
"segments" could constitute a worthwhile web presentation in its own
right. But, I will attempt to create this "convergence" of
philosophical, ecological, and economic circumstances within the confines
of my presentation.
Along with brief descriptions of some of the "target areas" for the
business, I would like to include a few more in-depth musings concerning
one's presence within certain landscapes which are similar to those
expostulated in the "flier" for the company's mission. If possible, I
would like to explore the use of some compressed audio as part of the
"observational dialogues".
I may discover that this undertaking as a bit overambitious in scope once the "raw materials" are all assembled. However, I can't really present a business angle to describe an area which I love without including those elements that stir the soul, and thus encourage people in their eventual return to these landscapes, vistas, and tumbling cascades. This was the core of my reasoning behind the theme of this presentation.
Audience-- Although there is a
built-in audience factor at work here among the instructor, teaching
assistant, and some interested fellow classmates, I also assume that this
presentation will be compelling enough that it might find an interest
among curious members of the hiking and outdoor recreation
community.
Date-- This project will be assembled within a time frame
of approximately seven weeks, from around October 20 to December 14,
2000. Any content or material added after that time will be done under my
own auspices for my own edification and pleasure.
Graphics Inclusion-- Although I will use some graphics on
each page, there will be only a relative few present in each location,
particularly images used as illustrations in various areas. I do reserve
the right to attempt incorporation of Power Point slides or animations at
some juncture within the "business" side of the presentation.
Length-- This is a tricky proposition based on the theme
and direction of my presentation. I would imagine that each separate page
would be encompassed within a mostly short-scroll approach. There may be
some stretches within the "contemplative" area which could hold the
longest segments of text. However, I will present these in sequential
hyperlinked groupings if it becomes necessary.
Maintenance-- I expect to do a little maintenance on the
presentation after the idea becomes fully formed. However, most
maintenance will be unnecessary except in "post-production", where I
expect to keep the site going as if it were commercially
mounted. Otherwise, any maintenance should be light-duty.
Money-- As planned and constituted, my project is for
information and/or entertainment only. The quasi-business exposition
section exists merely to demonstrate one aspect of presentation design in
an attempt to blend in with the more philosophical and aesthetic elements
of the project. Any money seen will probably be spent by me to buy the
coffee and food necessary to sustain my design efforts at some time or
another.
Objective-- The ostensible objective of my presentation is
a combination of a business "proposal" to a certain market of people
interested in healthful and meaningful experiences in the backwoods, and
how to connect these individuals with those types of experiences. Along
with this idea I will include observations and pertinent thoughts on the
vistas, landscapes, and streamside environments which would perhaps whet
the appetite of seekers of the backwoods experience in all its
forms. In other words, "now that you want to come up here, here's how you
can do it", or, in the reverse order of endeavor.
Research-- The essence of this presentation will be a
distillation of some of my personal experiences in the back country of
the mountains of New Hampshire, as I have had plentiful opportunities to
visit these areas in the past. I will hopefully supplement my input with
an adjunct study of other outdoor-related web sites, both for the aid in
content, and for tips on design features.
Writing-- I would like to combine the short
"data-point" approach of a company "promise of services" with some
portions of longer, more prosaic, text. These writings should be readable
for pleasure and to encourage vicarious experiential images to form in
the reader's mind. The observations hopefully will provide incentive
to potential visitors, and perhaps they will provide more members for the
market for the company's "services".