Introduction to DSE Presentation

After annotating and commenting on TEI/XML data using an editing tool, the next step is to present or publish it as a front end (the interface of a website) using publishing tools. These two processes can be handled separately - meaning the same TEI/XML data can be displayed in different ways depending on the publishing tool. This flexibility allows older TEI/XML editions to be modernized and their presentation formats expanded. However, it is advisable to outline the desired presentation features as early as the planning phase, as this can influence the choice of both editing and presentation tools. If standard presentation features, like those documented in this chapter, are required, the TEI Publisher is a tool that integrates both editing and publishing functionalities.

Chapter 3 (Presentation) primarily focuses on standard presentation methods commonly used in digital scholarly editions (DSEs) today. Unlike the previous chapter 2 (Editorial Work), this section places less emphasis on workflows and their limitations. Instead, presentation decisions are treated as independent choices rather than sequential steps. For example: - Does the edition require a detailed user introduction? - How should indexes be organized? - How should the edition text be displayed, and in what format can it be downloaded?

The following subchapters are not meant to be sequential steps but rather standalone workflows addressing different aspects of DSE front ends, along with their advantages and drawbacks. Special emphasis is placed on evaluating existing solutions.

This handbook does not cover aspects of frontend design beyond user functionalities. Elements such as menu layout, color schemes, and font choices can be customized using standard tools like the TEI Publisher (see => relevant documentation). In larger projects, these design tasks can also be outsourced to graphic designers, and collaborations with university design departments may be particularly beneficial.