Blog Post #6

In my own words, multi-modality is a form of communication through the use and expression of several different modes. According to Kress, in order to have effective communication we must use multiple modes, or pieces of communication/media such as writing, videos, images, and texts to produce messages.

Kress stresses that modes are arranged by the producer's interests and how he/she personally plans to produce his/her message. He speaks of how different modes have different uses and do specific things. He also mentions how we abide by certain conventions when using our modes. For example, we have put a conventional use on the mode of writing by using it to provide our audiences with certain information. Writing can also be used multi-modally with an image to help emphasize the value of the image.

One part of Kress' video that stood out imparticularly to me was the idea that a creator should have a reason for each and every placement of his information/ images. For instance, in the creation of a website it is imperative that the creator pay close attention to where certain information is layed out. Should the image go on the left, or should the image go on the right? Should the image be at the top or the page, or should the audience have to scroll down to see the image? These particular spacial orientations matter. What does the creator wish for his/her audience to witness first?

Kress also stresses the idea of coherence and making sure that the creator has made sense of his/her work. Do the creator's elements, modes, and ideas all integrate and make sense to the audience?

In Wysocki's argument, the importance of space is further stressed. Wysocki claims that things (modes) can be put to many uses, but that the space in which things are presented affects how we read and understand what is being illustrated.  Different from Kress, Wysocki points out that the context and purpose of a mode's use makes all the difference. For example, certain materials may not be considered "available" for certain use. Like the use of water for police brutality mentioned in the reading. The way in which a mode is used for communication depends on the context, the purpose, the audience, and the overall communication strategies used by the creator.

Wysocki also mentions that time is important in multi-modality. As a creator, you must pay attention to what you are presenting first. What do you want your audience to see first? It is also crucial that the creator focus not only on what the audience expects to see, but more so on what they do not expect to see. Wysocki encourages the idea of exploring unconventional or "outsider" designs in order for a creator to provide his/her audience with a "richer transformation".