Introduction To Multimedia Module 6 Part 1 Introduction To Multimedia

Module Objectives At the end of the module, students should be able to: Understand the fundamental concepts of multimedia Identify the characteristics of a multimedia system Understand the multimedia building blocks Understand the concepts of creating multimedia content Identify the application of multimedia and its structure

What is Multimedia ? Multimedia = Multi + media Multi = many Media = medium or means by which information is stored, transmitted, presented or perceived. By simple definition: Multimedia can be any combination of text, graphics, sound, animation and video, to effectively communicate ideas to users

Definition Of Multimedia “Multimedia is any combination of text, graphic art, sound, animation and video delivered to you by computer or other electronic means.” Tay Vaughan Multimedia : Making it work 5th Ed “Multimedia is the presentation of a (usually interactive) computer application, incorporating media elements such as text, graphics, video, animation and sound on computer.” Stephen McGloughin Multimedia: Concepts & practice .

Multimedia has a number of distinct and unique features, including: Based on Edgar Dale (Cone Of Learning), on average, people remember: 10% of what they read, 20% of what they hear, 30% of what they see, 50% of what they hear and see,  multimedia approach multimedia rich elements, multi-sensory delivery system can facilitate greater retention of new knowledge

Why Multimedia??? Ease of use Intuitive Interface Immersive experience Self-paced interaction and better retention Better understanding Cost effectiveness More fun = greater efficiency

Types of Multimedia Presentation Linear Multimedia Users have little control over the presentation, just sit back and watches the presentation The presentation normally plays from the start to end or even loops continually to present the information. A movie is a common type of linear multimedia Interactive Multimedia Users dictate the flow of delivery, to control the what and when. Users have the ability to move around or follow different path through the information presentation. Advantage: complex domain of information can be presented. Disadvantage: users might lost in the massive “information highway”. Useful for: information archive (encyclopedia), education, training and entertainment.

Multimedia System Characteristics Multimedia systems must be computer controlled. All multimedia components are integrated. The interface to the final user may permit interactivity. Information must be represented digitally.

Why Represent Information in Digital Form? Storage Digital representation permits the storage of different information types on the same devices. Transmission Information may also be transmitted over a single digital network. Processing When digitized, all form of information may be treated by computer programs, for editing, quality improvement, or recognition of the meaning of the information

Multimedia Building Block Digital environment USER Elements of Multimedia

Multimedia Takes Many Forms courseware Kiosks Movies Photo albums Image catalogs

Delivering and Using Multimedia Multimedia demands bandwidth CD-ROMs hold 650-700 MB DVD-ROMs hold 4.7-17 GB Multimedia can be delivered online (web)

Delivering and Using Multimedia Multimedia Can Be Delivered Online Online uses include: Books and magazines Movies News and weather Education Maps Entertainment

Creating & Developing Multimedia Requirements Creative skills Technology & tools Hardware Software Organization and business talent

Multimedia Development Process

Multimedia Design Process Approaching the design Designers work closely with producers or clients throughout the process. The conceptual model between the designers and the producers/clients must be closely matched. The more works put in design help to eliminate tedious and costly alteration at the end of the project.  

Multimedia Design Process Design Aspects Interactivity – how does the process work? Allow users to control the application in a way that works with the content. Structure – the flow ( navigation) and content structure of the multimedia application Appearance – determine how the screen will look like.

Multimedia Design Process Designing the interactivity Implemented in different ways depending on the product, content and development tools Three approaches Linear Programmed branching Hypermedia

Multimedia Design Process Designing the structure Consideration on Navigation The term navigation means finding your way to certain information. Maps the structures and navigation paths as early as possible.

Multimedia Design Process Designing the structure Common Navigation structures Linear Hierarchical Nonlinear Composite

Multimedia Design Process Common Navigation structures Linear: Users navigate sequentially, from one frame of information to another Hierarchical: Users navigate along the branches of a tree structure that is shaped by the natural logic of the content

Multimedia Design Process Common Navigation structures Nonlinear: Users navigate freely through the content of the project, unbound by predetmined routes Composite: Users may navigate freely, but are occasionally constrained to linear presentations of movies or date.

Multimedia Design Process Designing the structure Consideration on Hot Spot, button and icon Hot spot: Areas of the screen that are ‘clickable’. Button: Provide button feedback whenever possible Have a unique ‘pressed’ or ‘clicked’ state In HTML, feedback is provided by colour changing Icon: Avoid forcing users to learn special icons in your project. Try to follow the design convention set by other leading software.

Multimedia Design Process Designing the Appearance Usually called the user interface design or the look and feel design. The target is to facilitate communication, provide entertainment, elicit emotion, etc The graphic design of your multimedia product is the users first impression. A well design interfaces provide a good match between the user’s task needs, skill level and learning ability and will lead to satisfied and productive users.

Multimedia Design Process Designing the Appearance The interface design principle includes issues on: The metaphor Conceptual model Anticipation Intuitiveness Novice/Expert Mode Feedback Consistency Cognitive overload Graphical Approaches.

Multimedia Design Process Storyboarding A storyboard is a series of screens, organized sequentially, screen by screen, and each screen is sketched out with design notes and specification before final rendering. A storyboard can be developed with simple pencil and paper as well as using software applications.

The Multimedia Development Teams Customer /Client Requirement Multimedia Product Multimedia Development Team Key personnel Project Manager Support team Audio/video producer/Camera scriptwriter Talent Photography User Interface designer Intellectual property lawyer Continuity expert Marketer/ Vendor Designer Graphic artist Programmer Subject Matter Expert