P1-S2: Choose Design Tool - On This Day Docs

# Phase 1, Step 2: Choose Design Tool & Create Initial Template

This document outlines the process for selecting an appropriate design tool for the "On This Day" collectibles and creating the initial card template. This choice will impact both manual creation (Phase 1) and automation efforts (Phase 2).

## Key Objectives:
* Evaluate and select a design tool that is free/low-cost and supports templating and potential automation.
* Design a versatile and visually appealing base card template.
* Ensure the template has clearly defined placeholders for all data points identified in P1-S1.

## Recommended Free/Open Source Tool Options (from Feasibility Study):

1.  **Scribus (Desktop Publishing Software):**
    * **Pros:** Powerful layout features, master pages for templating, Python scripting for automation. Good for complex print-like layouts.
    * **Cons:** Steeper learning curve if new to DTP software.
    * **Use Case:** If a polished, potentially complex static design is a priority and Python scripting is viable for automation.

2.  **HTML/CSS + Headless Browser (e.g., Puppeteer/Playwright with Node.js/Python):**
    * **Pros:** Extremely flexible, leverages web technologies. Ideal for dynamic content and robust automation. Generates images from HTML.
    * **Cons:** Requires coding skills (HTML, CSS, JS/Python). Design is done via code.
    * **Use Case:** If technical skills are available and maximum automation flexibility is desired.

3.  **ImageMagick or GraphicsMagick (Command-Line Tools):**
    * **Pros:** Lightweight, scriptable for basic image compositions (text overlays, combining elements).
    * **Cons:** Less visual design process. Best for simpler, highly structured designs.
    * **Use Case:** For very straightforward designs where components are layered via scripts.

4.  **Google Slides (with Google Apps Script):**
    * **Pros:** Familiar interface, free, scriptable via Google Apps Script (JavaScript-based). Easy to visually design templates.
    * **Cons:** Automation might be clunkier for high-volume or complex dynamic data. Export options might be limited or require specific scripting.
    * **Use Case:** Quick to start, good for visual templating if Apps Script capabilities meet automation needs.

## Actionable Steps:

1.  **Review Tool Options & Skills Assessment:*** Based on the P1-S1 data/visual requirements and your team's technical skills, evaluate which tool offers the best balance of design capability, ease of use, and automation potential.
    * Consider the long-term goal of automation. A tool that's easy for manual creation but hard to automate might create more work later.

2.  **Select a Primary Design Tool:**
    * Make a decision on the tool to proceed with for the initial template.

3.  **Design the Base Card Template:**
    * Using the chosen tool, create the card layout.
    * Incorporate static visual elements (borders, backgrounds, logos if any).
    * Define clear placeholders for every dynamic data point identified in the \"Data Specification Sheet\" (from P1-S1). For example:
        * `{{HEADLINE_1}}`
        * `{{STAT_TEMPERATURE}}`
        * `{{IMAGE_AI_GENERATED}}` (if applicable)
        * `{{CARD_DATE}}`
    * Consider typography, color schemes, and overall aesthetic. Aim for clarity and visual appeal.

4.  **Test Template with Sample Data:**
    * Manually populate the template with sample data for a hypothetical day to ensure all elements fit and look correct.
    * Check readability and visual balance.

5.  **Document Template Specifications:**
    * Record font names, sizes, color codes (HEX, RGB).
    * Note dimensions of the card and any specific layout guides.
    * List all placeholder names and their intended content.

## Deliverables for this Step:
* Selected design tool.
* A complete digital card template file.
* Documentation of the template specifications (fonts, colors, placeholders).

This template will be the foundation for creating the first batch of manual cards.