> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://bcds.gitbook.io/handbook/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://bcds.gitbook.io/handbook/digital-scholarship-methods/introduction-to-digital-exhibits/starting-a-digital-exhibit.md). # ΒΆ Starting a Digital Exhibit Before starting the exhibit creation process, you need to closely consider your topic, desired effects, and objectives with the understanding that these decisions might change as you progress. **1.) Determine the Topic** What is the main focus or theme of the exhibit? * Some examples: a historical period or movement, an event, a person's biography, a process or technique (e.g., silk screen printing), an idea or concept (e.g., the law of gravity), an industry (e.g., whaling), a single object (e.g., a specific book, painting, or musical instrument) **2.) Determine the Desired Effect** Effects to consider (as cited in Barth, et al. 2018): * **Aesthetic:** organized around the beauty of objects * **Emotive:** designed to elicit an emotion in the viewer * **Evocative:** designed to create a specific atmosphere * **Didactic:** designed to teach the viewer about a specific topic * **Entertaining:** designed for the amusement or enjoyment of the viewer **3.) Determine the Objectives** What do you want people "walking away" with? This means considering things like: * What is the motivation for creating the exhibit? (Why this exhibit?) * What are the intended learning outcomes? * How do you want visitors to be able to apply what they learn beyond the exhibit? **4.) Creating the Exhibit** Once the above considerations have been made, it is time to begin the exhibit creation process. See our ["Getting Started with Digital Exhibits" tutorial](https://bcds.gitbook.io/learn/tutorials/digital-exhibits/getting-started-with-digital-exhibits) for more information. **References** Barth, G. L., Drake Davis, L., Mita, A. (2018). ["Digital Exhibitions: Concepts and Practices"](https://marac.memberclicks.net/assets/documents/marac_technical_leaflet_12.pdf). Mid-Atlantic Regional Archives Conference Technical Leaflet Series no. 12.