In the first blog post about Exponuevo.de, I introduced the draughtsman Friedel Leistner and his project. I went into detail about the open source programmes WorkAdventure and Tiled, which were to serve us as the basis for the digital exhibition and opening event.
How did we proceed now that we had familiarised ourselves with this software?
Workflow
With the free "Freemium" use, however, the basic functions are limited So that Friedel could create new virtual spaces, we hosted our own WA instance. We created a GitLab directory for the To be able to test them directly, we set up a Gitpod workspace. But this process was more cumbersome than helpful. We realised that all that was needed was a simpleSo we switched to Cloudron's Surfer app.
WorkAdventure (WA) is a web-based collaborative service that runs on a central server. However, with the free "freemium" use, the basic functions are limited and in addition, only 15 users or avatars and companions are possible at the same time. So that Friedel could create new virtual rooms, we hosted our own WA instance. We created a GitLab directory for the tilesets he designed. To be able to test them directly, we set up a Gitpod workspace. But this procedure was more cumbersome than helpful. We realised that all that was needed was a simple repository where the maps were stored and accessible from the engine via the file path. So we switched to Cloudron's Surfer App. Cloudron is a complete solution that we often use - because of the clear administration of apps on a server, but also because of the high number of possible apps that can be installed. In the course of the process, we used many more technologies from this platform.
So the workflow was now clearer: Friedel created and developed his maps and uploaded them for testing. In the process, he noted down wishes and questions, which we discussed in the weekly meetings. While he added more and more painted details and playful ideas to his exhibition location, we took care of the technical implementation of the functionalities.
Friedel hand-marks technical change requests on a draft map.
Website
It soon became clear that the project needed a landing page, i.e. a point of contact for potential guests at the opening. People should be informed about the upcoming event as early as possible and their curiosity should be aroused and fuelled. To do this, it was a good idea to let them experience in concrete terms how the thing grows bit by bit. With statements by the artist and, of course, with his graphically designed cards.
The first step was to secure the domain. Next, we had to choose a content management system to manage the content - images, videos, texts and sounds. We decided on the Ghost CMS. We found this suitable because, in addition to the modern look, it provides a subscription option and a newsletter tool. We could now put all the information on the website: the press text and contact details, the exhibition link and also the accompanying diary in which Friedel described his impressions and progress.
I was responsible for configuration and design. This included translating the website, structure and functions of various elements. Through this I got to know HTML, CSS and Handlebars: HTML was necessary to understand the structure of web pages, CSS to make them more visually sophisticated, and Handlebars are the typical file formats of templates. To version these changes, I uploaded the template to GitLab, which meant I always had a backup in case something went wrong. Before updating the Life system, I tested everything on the copy I made of the website, i.e. on a beta environment, just to be on the safe side.
Just make your own impression of Exponuevo.de!
In the third part of my report, you can read about everything that still had to be done before the opening.
