Human Computer Interaction Week 13 Multimedia Interface Design

Introduction Multimedia is the integration of multiple media such as video, audio, text, graphics, and animation; which together present a powerful communication medium. Interactive multimedia refers to the ability to control these components and interact with them as needed.

Interactivity Interactivity is defined by two aspects: A non-linear path can be followed, e.g. it is possible to follow a selected theme as well as being able to move backwards and forwards. Human interaction is invoked, e.g. in decision making.

Benefits of multimedia (1) Powerful presentation medium Multimedia can make a presentation come alive (compare with overhead presentation). Retention We remember 10% of what wee see; 20% of what we hear; 50% of what we see and hear; and 80% of what we see, hear, and do. Consistency Constant quality (compare with human trainers). Personalized Learners can obtain information at their own pace

Benefits of multimedia (2) Convenience Information can be obtained at a convenient time and place. Persistency Multimedia system never tire. Multimedia system provide non-judgmental, non-threatening dialogue, and immediate feedback. Safety Multimedia can be used to simulate real-life experience in a safe environment (such as chemical reaction experiment, flight simulator for pilots).

Multimedia in Business Training: multimedia-based course used for learning new skills. Kiosks: provide details of products and services, have been installed in shops, museums and public areas such as shopping mall. Point of information: provide information and help in public places such as hotels, train stations, shopping mall, and grocery stores.

Multimedia in Education There are two main types of applications: Classroom presentation applications: multimedia is used to support and enhance the teacher’s presentation of the subject by taking advantages of the power of multimedia presentations. Individualized learning: the learner works on their own.

Multimedia at Home Games: one of the most popular applications of interactive multimedia. Edutainment: a composite of education and entertainment. Edutainment takes the form of educational games and is aimed at school children below the age of 13.

Multimedia application development phases Specification: determining the audience, aims, scope, budget, time, constraints. Outline Design: defining the interactive structure and content of a program. Detailed Design: screen design, storyboard, scripting, identifying multimedia assets, and prototyping (optional) Development: translating what has been specified at the detailed design stage into a computer courseware (graphics, text, sound, video, animation). Implementation: assembling and testing the various multimedia components. User Acceptance: ensuring the original objectives and scope have been met.

Interactive Multimedia Design The major difference between an interactive multimedia presentation and a conventional slide or video presentation is its branching capacity. There are four basic structure for multimedia applications: Linear: user navigate sequentially. Hierarchical: user navigate through a branching structure already defined by the application’s logic flow. Non-linear: user navigate through the application content without the use of a predetermined path. Composite: user navigate freely (non-linearly), but are occasionally constrained to linear presentations and / or data that are organized in a hierarchy.

Storyboards A scripting convention which includes mock-up visuals. A mixture of text and visuals presented as a series of templates on which the multimedia application can be based. A useful way of conveying an idea of the design to the client or other members of the team and allows changes to be interpreted before any application is developed on the computer.

Storyboard Template Example Title Area Text Instruction Image Area Area Navigation Icons Area Reference: Sequence No:

Multimedia Interface Design Guidelines (1) The user interface of a multimedia application is a blend of graphic elements and its navigation system. Prototyping and testing is particularly important where a new approach is being developed to an unfamiliar audience. Interactivity empowers the users of the application by allowing them to control the content and flow of information or to trigger an immediate response to their enquiry as in a help request.

Multimedia Interface Design Guidelines (2) A clearly designed screen with clear headings, consistent use of color can greatly help the user assimilate information. Color in general should be treated with caution. Too much color will make screens garish and unattractive. Icons are images that are readily recognizable without explanation. It is best to use real-world metaphors that will be understood by a wide audience of potential users.

Further Reading Elsom-Cook, Mark 2001, Principles of Interactive Multimedia, McGraw-Hill.