Using image within dissemination

Another quick thought over lunch and something which came to me during the previous post about potentially including images of EDC work within the lit review. I need to think about how I use image within the web essay so that it becomes an integral part of the representation of ideas, and not just to make the thing look nice (although that's helpful too). Here then is a very quick bit of brainstorming on how I might use images in the web essay (and not all of these are new ideas):

• The constellation image on the front acts as a usual visual metaphor and a structural overview of the artefact
  
• Circular cut outs from the cover image act signposts to represent different parts of the essay
  
• Images of the architecture and art review exercises could be integrated within the relevant sections of the essay
  
• Examples of multimodal assessment artefacts from the IDEL course could be included in the lit review or perhaps even within the discussion section
• Perhaps I could embed cut outs of different parts of the MSc handbooks to illustrate points that arise within discussion (rather than including a link on including as an appendix). The image could be embedded within the text.

In what way have I attempted to use image in a way that goes beyond purely the aesthetic? How does it contribute towards the communication of meaning and the audience experience?

• The constellation acts as a visual metaphor
  
• Images are used to help the reader appreciate and visualise some of the ideas in the text
  
• The visual signs help identification and navigation
  
• Overall, image contributes to an authentic multimodal experience
  

While I will almost certainly return to this, I think it has been a useful exercise in reminding me to stop and think 'Why am I doing this' and not to get immersed in the visual side of things beyond the potential value it might offer. I should probably do a similar exercise for audio.