Blog Post 9: Interface & E-Lit
The hypertexts “My Body, a Wunderkammer” by Shelley Jackson and “Depression Quest” by Zoe Quinn fit into the genre of electronic literature as defined by N. Katherine Hayles since both are “digital born” works created for interactive, computer-based reading experiences. These projects use digital interfaces to navigate readers through narratives and immerse them in stories based on choice and user exploration, which are core aspects of digital interactivity that make electronic literature different than traditional print media.
“My Body, a Wunderkammer” uses a touch-based, illustrative interface that enables users to navigate body parts as distinct sections. The user can explore freely with each body part acting as a portal into a different narrative fragment. This design embodies principles from Chapter 10 on effective visual layout and activity-oriented components, which guide users through clear interactive elements that are similar to an exhibit structure. The interface combines the human body with digital storytelling, creating an experience that would be very difficult to replicate in print.
On the other hand, “Depression Quest” uses a text-based, choice-driven interface in which the narrative is shaped by the readers’ decisions. Choices are incorporated into the text with certain options being grayed out depending on the protagonist's mental state. Here, user experience principles from Chapter 10 are important since this is where the interface does not just present choices but creates an intended, at times restrictive way of navigation that reflects the struggles of the protagonist. Linking both interface and theme shows that an interface can serve as both a narrative device and an emotional amplifier. This enhances the readers’ understanding of the protagonist’s experience through interaction constraints.
Reflecting on these works, I aim to incorporate similar interaction design elements in my web presentation. For example, I might use non-linear navigation such as “My Body, a Wunderkammer” in my web presentation to allow viewers to explore content in a way that feels personalized. This would consist of visual components such as buttons or interactive text guiding users without overwhelming them, balancing structure with exploration. I also plan to include accessible design practices such as clear labels and responsive layouts to accommodate various screen sizes and user needs as suggested in Chapter 10. Ultimately, like Jackson and Quinn’s projects, I would like to design an interface that not only presents content but also aligns with the narrative and purpose, inviting users to interact thoughtfully and intuitively.
Thoughtful insights into your own interface here. Although the MEdiation won't be e-lit, the navigation will still be important. :)
ReplyDeleteNice post. I think about this often when designing anything. While its cool for things to be artistic and visually appealing, there is a time and a place for everything. Like you said above I will be making a lot of considerations to the design of my website in the sense that I don't want it to be overwhelming. I think too many visual aspects, or a cluttered mess can take away from the overall point of the website. I also think it's interesting how an in depth visual interactive website for something about the human body would work. Most people are somewhat familiar with the parts of the body since we live in a body. Therefore, the interactive Ness between a body on a virtual site, and somebody clicking seems like it would be seamless, and fun. Nice post as it got me to think a little bit more about how I want to design my website.
ReplyDeleteFrom Gabby: Response to VJ
ReplyDeleteThis blog post on Interface and E-lit, he goes into depth about the hypertexts that reflect electronic literature and how it relates back to DH, and just discusses specifically these terms in relation. He organized and structured his information well that allowed me to easily follow along and contribute to the chapter. Reading the blog posts helped to further my knowledge on this specific chapter and how it relates back to our individual projects that we will be working on.