IV. Conclusion

Having illustrated, theorized, and supported my overall analytical approach, I now turn to enacting it. I apply this analytical method to my body of data and demonstrate the insights gained by looking at the data through this particular lens. It is my hope that my discussion of invention influences through these lenses will be of interest to a range of different readers. Up until this point the argument has been developed fairly linearly—setting up the context for the problem, describing data collection methods, describing analytical methods, and then making claims or arguments for why these are worth investigating. Each of these sections needed to build on each other in sequential order for them to make any sense. From this point on, however, I strongly encourage readers to move through the chapters based on their particular areas of interest. Those interested in debates around co-authorship and collaboration, or the social elements of invention might be more interested in the “people” chapter. Those interested in questions on the role of various technologies as invention resources might want to skip towards the “tools” chapter. Those interested in more of an emphasis on the aesthetic components of web design, particularly as they are impacted by non-human objects acting affectively on the human composer, might want to look next at the “metaphors” chapter. Readers interested in the practical implications both for webtext composers and teachers of digital invention may want to move directly to the “takeaways” section.

Regardless of the direction of movement, I encourage readers to stop and take some time to engage with the data in its multiple modes—to watch the video clips, click the links, navigate through the visualizations, and generally explore the project at will. I hope readers will explore the project’s various sections, learn what they might theoretically and intellectually, and grow comfortable with the invention strategies, impacts, resources, and artifacts presented in the project—and then consider how they in turn might incorporate these strategies into their own practices in order think about what webtext projects they themselves might invent.