Mozart & Material Culture

Souvenirs

An online platform to present a comprehensive portrayal of Mozart exploring facets of his life, music, his personal possessions and associated historical artifacts

landing page of text and images on a tablet and mobile device

Redefining Digital Scholarship

Inaugurating a new frontier in digital publication, this pilot project ventures into the diverse facets of Mozart's life and legacy, transcending conventional narratives to offer a comprehensive portrayal. Through an immersive online experience incorporating text, images, documents, and sound files, the project aims to present Mozart in a holistic light, shedding light on both his personal and musical dimensions within the context of his time and surroundings.

The project delves into an array of intriguing topics, ranging from Mozart's personal possessions to artifacts emblematic of his era. By exploring elements such as Mozart's library, traveling tea chest, and even an eighteenth-century blood-letting device, the project seeks to provide a nuanced understanding of Mozart's life beyond his musical genius. Each topic contributes to a more nuanced and multi-dimensional portrait of the iconic composer.

Collaborative Endeavors and Iterative Design

Led by Cliff Eisen, Harold Short, and the team at King's Digital Lab, this project exemplifies collaborative efforts in digital scholarship. Beginning with a simple brief and content outline, the design process evolved iteratively as new features and content were incorporated. Close collaboration between designer, developer, and project stakeholders ensured a seamless translation of ideas into a functional and engaging digital platform.

Iterative Prototyping and Development

Following the initial research phase, the design process unfolded iteratively, with prototypes of the landing page and object pages crafted to test responsiveness and user interactions. These prototypes served as invaluable tools for refining the user experience and identifying areas for improvement. Working closely with the developer, I iterated on the prototypes, incorporating feedback and making adjustments to enhance usability and functionality. Through this collaborative approach, the design evolved organically, ensuring that it aligned with the project's objectives and met the needs of its intended audience.

Collection of visual inspiration
Visual inspiration board collected from various sources
Initial mockup examples
Initial mockup examples using Figma

Refinement and Adaptation

As the project progressed, it became evident that the initial design framework needed refinement to accommodate the evolving scope and content. Through meticulous prototyping and iterative design iterations, the team navigated challenges and adapted the design to meet the project's objectives effectively. This process involved continuous refinement of layout, typography, and visual elements to enhance the overall user experience and ensure consistency across the platform. Additionally, the team remained receptive to feedback from stakeholders, incorporating suggestions and making adjustments as needed to optimize the design for maximum impact.

Redesign mockup examples
Redesign mockup examples

Innovative Possibilities of Digital Publication

The resulting website stands as a testament to the innovative possibilities of digital publication in presenting complex historical narratives. By leveraging multimedia elements such as text, images, documents, and sound files, the platform offers a dynamic and immersive exploration of Mozart's life and legacy. Through thoughtful design and careful attention to user experience, the website provides users with a comprehensive and engaging journey through the multifaceted world of Mozart, redefining traditional notions of digital publication in the process.

screenshot of current site chapters page
Screenshot of final site Chapters page
screenshot of current site landing page
Screenshot of final site Landing page