Tomas E. Cevallos

Artifacts

Theory of Techne

The concept of techne, rooted in the Greek understanding of craft and knowledge, serves as a lens through which I crafted my portfolio. Techne embodies the blend of "know-how" and "know-that," merging practical skills with theoretical understanding. My portfolio demonstrates this through its design, content, and accessibility, while aligning with principles such as body/identity, distribution/circulation, access/accessibility, interaction, and economics. Key projects in this portfolio that highlight the workability of these principles include the AmogUS Origin project, the Human Rights Assignment, and the Vegans study-all demonstrate how digital interactions can be rendered meaningfully through techne. One point where Body/identity crops up significantly is in how one presents one's self and their work within the portfolio itself. The headshot in my portfolio represents professionalism and identity, bridging the gap between my digital persona and real-world self. This concept is further depicted in the Human Rights Assignment, as the representation of human rights violations across elections worldwide depicts the power of identity within a digital space. By connecting election integrity to digital platforms, the project shows how technology can elevate the voices of vulnerable communities. Similarly, the Vegans study explores how individuals with disabilities use social media to challenge sociocultural norms, highlighting the interplay between digital representation and activism. These examples give evidence of how important identity is to the making of meaning in digital contexts. Distribution and circulation are core principles to the design of my portfolio, ensuring that my projects reach a variety of audiences effectively. GitHub Pages, the site used for hosting my portfolio, allows for easy access and visibility. The Human Rights Assignment is an example of circulation in how internet platforms are affecting human rights awareness around the world. The EVI in the project represents how data can circulate across platforms to create awareness about election safety. In the same way, the AmogUS Origin project uses storytelling to share cultural insights and relate to an audience. These projects really show the use of distribution as a medium to ensure that ideas are effectively taken to all, for wider participation. The next cornerstone in my portfolio is accessibility for both a wide array of devices and user needs. I've followed Web Accessibility Standards that include adding alt text for images, responsive design, and semantic structure in HTML code. The importance of accessibility is reflected in the Vegans study that looks into how social movements use social media to challenge dominant narratives. This is a study that really brings forward the need for accessible platforms that give way to diverse voices; it echoes my commitment to making an inclusive portfolio. By prioritizing accessibility, I show how techne can bridge gaps and foster equity in digital spaces. Interaction is a dynamic aspect of techne that, through the navigational ease of my portfolio, allows users to move through my projects easily, having an interactive experience through modal pop-ups and smooth scrolling. It is through this focus on interaction that the AmogUS Origin project captures audiences in a light-hearted way using humor and storytelling. The Vegans study further reinforces the importance of interaction by showcasing how digital platforms facilitate dialogue and community building. These examples highlight my ability to design interactive experiences that foster connection and understanding. Economics, the final pillar of techne, underscores the value exchange within my portfolio. The presentation of my projects, skills, and experiences communicates their significance to potential collaborators and employers. The Human Rights Assignment, for example, shows how much value technology creates in making information transparent and accountable. The Vegans study demonstrates the economic impact of social media in giving voice to marginalized groups. In using open-sourced and low-cost tools such as Tailwind CSS, I am able to showcase my resourcefulness in driving quality output. These are ways in which I contribute value through considerate design and effective communication. By integrating these principles, my portfolio is testament to the power of techne within digital environments. The projects presented within it demonstrate an ability to integrate theory and practice in such a way that meaningful, impactful digital experiences are brought about. Through attending to the logics of body/identity, distribution/circulation, access/accessibility, interaction, and economics, I've put together a portfolio that speaks to both my technical competencies and my values regarding the building of inclusivity, engagement, and innovation.