ReMix

Combinformation is a program that allows user to search items using several different browsers and compose the links through pictures and words into a compositional piece. This website can be found at:
http://ecologylab.cs.tamu.edu/combinFormation/launch/mix.html

Upon entering the program you have to first learn how to use it. There are helpful tips and a learn-how to link. The program is relatively easy to use the only real downside are two main ones: when you're re-arranging the pictures they are hyperlinked so you open several links all at once basically so that further delays it while those pages upload the program is still taking a rather delayed time to upload the other websites. Saving was also an issue since it takes a while, but granted it is not hard. It works similar to the program Powerpoint with those functions of cut--delete, undo--control z, and rearranging/resizing pictures. The pictures also appear as transparent and can and do overlap. Text can also be changed to have a proportion to the pictures and you can change how fast or slow you want the images to appear. Logically, you would think quicker but that is not true due to as you're trying to rearranged a couple new ones have already popped up and will overlap your current picture. That is why you have to press the stop and play key as necessary to get more links.

The way I designed mine was my searching for three important topics: green architecture, sustainability, and modular architecture. These are all very important topics in today's society and something I feel strongly about. I then ran the search engine using google to find images and text. I cut out the text as I wanted the composition to be seen as a whole first and then as individual pictures and links. Besides when you scroll over the picture the text of what the site is and the link is listed. I did not put the pictures in an order in regards to those topics as I had originally thought to do because I wanted to peak the interest of the viewer to look through the different links especially since the three topics are related. I went through and then looked at which websites were more or less relevant and deleted those whose link did not correspond. I also deleted or cut out the pictures that did not fit the composition. I seperated the pictures in order to make sure that they did overlap to a point to show a collage but still be able to see most of the picture. I did change the sizes and tried to contrast the grey with the colored photos. I wanted to have it be as orderly as possible while still keeping the look and feel of a collage but not the point of overwhelming the viewer or making them go through the trouble of finding the links for themselves. I also added text and changed the colors and text emphasizing the three topics. If you would like to see my design the link is as follows:
http://xavier.tamu.edu/students/ebs4031/web/cf/remix.html

http://xavier.tamu.edu/students/ebs4031/web/cf/remix.jpg

http://xavier.tamu.edu/students/ebs4031/web/cf/remix.xml

http://xavier.tamu.edu/students/ebs4031/web/cf/remix_thumbnail.jpg