Digital Images Challenges

In an age of technology, almost everything is being “digitalized”. This sometimes presents a problem, however, when photographs and images are placed on the Web, because many people don’t know or understand what steps they need to take to ensure their pictures are viewed correctly.

Dithering

Most computer monitors display at least 8-bit color (256 colors), but only about 216 of those colors can be found on all browsers and computers. Because of this, computers must make up or “dither” images by mixing colors they have in order to create the odd colors. Unfortunately, this process often results in a banded effect on the images. When creating graphics for the Web, make sure you reduce the pixels per inch to 72 ppi, and always use browser-safe colors. By doing these things, you will ensure that the widest range of viewers will see your images as you intended.

www.opaque.net

The color in this image does not transition smoothly because it has been dithered. You can see the long band-like lines that run across the photo.

Pixelation

Digital images also face the problem of becoming pixelated. According to Imaging-toolkit.com, “Pixelation occurs when a low-resolution image is enlarged more than it should be, giving the effect where the individual pixels are apparent to a viewer." This effect occurs when a low-resolution image is projected on a large monitor or screen. To prevent blurry pixelated photos, save your graphics at a high resolution so they are more flexible if you need to change them later on. Also, save full color photographs as JPGs, and less complex graphics as GIFs. This will help reduce file size by cutting down on wasted space. Here is an example from www.robinsblog.com.

Notice how the entire picture is blurry and strains your eyes if you look at it for too long.

Visual Elements in "Lessons of the Trash Gang"

So much of theatre depends on visual communication. “Lessons of the Trash Gang” is no exception. This very serious play sets its tone with the modest set of a kitchen. The onstage colors are very subdued. This is the first visual clue for the audience. As the story progresses, viewers become acquainted with a 12-year-old girl named Millie and her impatient struggle to become a woman. Unfortunately, in the end she discovers womanhood is not as glorious as she thought it would be.

Throughout the story, facial expressions, body language, and how the characters interact with one another gives the play depth. Their jagged movements and physical emotions are a sign of inner turmoil.
Millie’s mother creates strong emotional imagery by trying to beat her unwanted baby out of her belly. When Grandma goes into her trance-like state, the lights dim to reveal a smoky blue stage. The set remains a relatively modern kitchen throughout the play. It becomes the only constant in a changing world.

The strongest point in the play is when Millie finally realizes what she faces ahead. As she raises a pair of scissors to cut her treasured hair, the lights blackout, signaling the end of the play.

Don't Let Your Site Fall Through the Cracks

So many new Internet sites are being created every day that no one can keep up with all of the latest designing trends. But here are some constant guidelines for those who want to create a good site on the World Wide Web.

A few things every good site should contain:
• easy navigation and clear content
• strong alignment of text and graphics
• consistency

Here are two sites that live up to these standards. First, the Pearl Harbor Memorial site, pearlharbormemorial.com, is an example of easy navigation and concise content. Viewers find themselves able to quickly skim the material and facts listed. Next, Tiffany and Company's web site portrays how a site should reflect the style of a business. Like the company, tiffany.com is simple, yet very elegant and sophisticated. It uses only a black and white color scheme with one accent color to add contrast. The site is clear and has a consistent layout.

Now it would be great if every web page was as eye-catching and as organized as the previous examples. Unfortunately, the Internet is far from perfect.

Things to watch out for:
• cluttered layouts and bad or boring color combinations
  (ex. gray backgrounds)
• too many large pictures
• annoying animations and side scrolls

Here are a couple of sites that didn't quite make the good list. At first glance, http://m.nu/eirinn/ceol is just a massive paragraph of Irish songs and lyrics. This page would be much more pleasing to the eye and a bit more organized if its links were separated and aligned properly. Next, windfieldcavaliers.com is a site that demonstrates annoying animations. It also contains too many big pictures which only add to the download time of the site and create frustration among viewers. Instead, thumbnails should be added so viewers have the option to see larger versions of pictures. Last but not least, side scrolls sneak in once again at howstuffworks.com. I'm sure you know how aggravating they are when you're surfing the Web, so when designing your page, please be courteous and leave side scrolling out of the picture.

Now you're a pro at designing award-winning layouts for the Web, right? Okay, maybe not yet. But at least you're a bit closer to making sure your website doesn't fall through the cracks!