Variability in Davidjosue.com
Manovich discusses variability as the ability of the user to create and customize the page at which they are looking (36). Davidjosue.com uses variability to create a comfortable environment where the user is able to meet his/her needs. The site makes users feel comfortable in two ways. First, users can change the volume of the background music using the scroll button at the bottom of the page. The user can turn the music down or off, or he/she can leave it on; either way, it is completely in the hands of the user. Second, users can change the language between English and Spanish according to their preferences. (See figures 1 and 2 below.)
figures 1 and 2
Additionally, davidjosue.com allows a specific group of users (potential future clients) see and play with some specific examples of Josué's work. The site allows its users to participate in the change from the original photo to the digitally-enhanced photo by giving two sliding bars—slide and opacity—below the photos. The user controls how much of the photo is enhanced and to what extent it is enhanced. Below is an example of Josué's work (see figures 3 and 4), in which the woman's face and body and the lighting have all been enhanced to provide a more socially acceptable appearance of the model. As can be seen, figure 3 has no opacity showing the original photo, whereas figure 2 has full opacity showing the Josué's ability to retouch photos. Of course, this will help potential clients in their decision to hire Josué because they can see the extent of his abilities to shoot and retouch a photograph.
figures 3 and 4
Frances Adame
CMS 3710
Clayton State University
Updated: 12 November 2008