1. Module Intro Damien Markey

2. MWD – Multimedia Project Development Aims of the course –To critically review, evaluate and utilise current multimedia techniques and technologies –To specify, design, implement and test appropriate integrated solutions for a range of multimedia applications

3. Introduction to the Course Multimedia Integration Techniques –Storyboarding –Iterative Design and Build –Web project management Some of these techniques overlap in certain areas Technologies –CD ROM- Kiosk –DVD- Interactive TV –Web

4. Method of Learning Learning is assessed through four main components –Creative Brief (10%) –Project Plan (15%) –Project report and Prototype Usability (25%) –Exam (50%) The three continuous assessments will tie together to create a portfolio of work for the project (and for you!)

5. The Prototype – The Project – Part 1 Creation of a prototype website/CDROM for..... Whatever you want You will research, design and plan for a full product but you will not develop the final product!!! The development will stop at the prototype stage

6. The Prototype – The Project – Part 2 I am open to suggestions for other end products (see me first with the idea, though) 3 of you will act as your client for the project This will be run as a professional project so I expect the following: –Research into the audience of your site/CD –Input from them into the design of the product –A realistic scope, budget and timescale (I don’t want you to plan to make a “T2” production!)

7. Lecture 1- Analysis Analysis stage Covers gathering the requirements for a website/CDROM/Multimedia project from/about the following –Potential users (the main audience) –The client –Any competitors Content gathering Post release management

8. Lecture 2: Definition Stage Definition of the requirements of the project involving –Creating the brief(s) –Identifying Goals –Defining Scope –Setting budget –Obtaining agreement from all parties

9. Lecture 3: Project Planning Work breakdown structure Waterfall method of planning Use of a Project management tool –Identifying tasks –Creating an outline plan –Setting up task flow –Creating work packets –Tracking plans against work done

10. Lecture 4: Design and Prototype Prototype building –Aims of a prototype –Client/User involvement Usability Analysis How to set up a lab, run it and analyse it

11. Lecture 5: Prototype Review What makes a prototype successful Why a prototype is never a failure Review criteria –Clients requirements –User feedback –Feasibility of main build

12. Lecture 6: Main Build Management How to start a build Assembling the team –Designer –Developer –Database developer –System administrator –Project manager/Producer Roles/Responsibilities/Tasks

13. Lecture 7: Production Management Why monitor a project? The client facing demo site “Project Creep” Change Management

14. Lecture 8: Testing/Quality Assurance Testing as a constant process (not just at the end) Initial testing plan Re-work Sign off User Acceptance criteria

15. Lecture 9: Post Release Management Planning for after launch Handover of site –Responsibility –Warranty –Post- launch control

16. This is a work in progress so keep checking Any Questions?

17. Analysis Phase Of Multimedia Development Damien Markey

18. Agenda for Lecture Analysis stage of development Why we need to perform analysis What it is used for How to research the Client, Users and Competitors

19. Analysis Phase of Project Three main sections of this phase –User Analysis –Competitor Analysis –Requirements Analysis

20. User Analysis Know your audience! Without audience research you risk launching a site that few people will use e.g. Easier.co.uk –A property portal where people sold houses online (without estate agents) –Not many sold houses through it as it did not reach a critical mass in certain areas –People did not want to buy homes over the internet

21. User Analysis – Pt2 Assertahome/Rightmove –Partnered with estate agents to introduce people –Large number of partnership –Now reach large audience

22. User Analysis – Process Once an outline view of project aim has been established –Identify potential users Client should be an expert on the customer –Perform audience research –Brain-storm possible functionality of site (with client) –Ask users what they would like in site

23. Identify Possible Users Common questions to ask are: –What are the clients primary and secondary markets? –Are they looking to expand their appeal? If so, to whom? –Have they got a current off-line presence? –Marketing materials –Brand identity

24. Potential Sources of Information Marketing department of client Failing that (or in addition) –Market research the likely audience of the company –Use online company profiles (Hoover, Yahoo) –Use trade sources for the industry such as magazines, online sources e.g for a broadcaster try broadcast magazine, Produxion.com, mediaweek

25. Potential Sources of Information 2 –Once you have all this information you will have an idea of what your audience needs

26. Competitor Analysis To ensure you are not falling behind (or making similar mistakes) you must also see what your competitors are doing (or say they plan to do)

27. Competitor Analysis Your client's competitors may possibly be planning to (re-)launch a site at the same time as the one you are launching so: –you must identify what they presently do –find out what they plan to do (through press releases and site announcements) –See how their site develops and evaluate what features are good and bad (and incorporate the good ones) Identify main (or nearest competitors)

28. Competitor Analysis – Part 2 List main functionality and features Evaluate which features are beneficial and which are detrimental to the site –These can be off-line, such as high delivery charges and delivery times, or online, e.g. slow loading of the site Monitor key sites through the development process to ensure you are not left behind by competitor developments

29. Requirement Analysis Vital to understand and guide client goals Essential for client brief Ask client what their expectations are for the site/CD ROM Identify main aim(s) of site e.g. –Increase sales –Increase brand awareness –Disseminate information

30. Requirement Analysis – Part 2 Ascertain (using design/development expertise) if aims are achievable i.e. –If the brief is to compete with Amazon and the business and technical knowledge of the client is limited then run away!!! If goals are difficult identify issues and then establish methods to address them

31. Content Gathering Content is one of the main drivers for any site (i.e. BBC news, Amazon, WHSmith) Identify the main content for site e.g. For a music site they could include: –Artist lists, –Biographies, –Discographies, –Album covers, –Promotional tracks

32. Content Gathering Identify what current content there is, if any Identify possible sources of new and future content Identify format of content (if you are going to have to scan in 1,300 album covers and type up 13,000 track listings that is going to take time) Identify responsibilities for content (pre and post release) Agree all the above with the client

33. Post Release Management Many Multimedia development agencies suffer difficulties with clients once the site is delivered. These issues should be addressed and agreed between client and developer at this stage

34. Post Release Management Issues such as: –When will site go live –Who is responsible for updating site after release –Who is responsible for delivery of content for site post release

35. Post Release Management – Part 2 Issues such as (cont): When will the site become the Clients responsibility –What criteria have to be achieved for client to accept delivery of site –What warranty period is available –What support can developer provide after this (what events and cost)

36. Lab Session later We will discuss the possible choices for you to choose for your project for the assignment. If you want to do a different one from the ones suggested see me before then! We will work through the process of identifying the client, user and competitor analysis for your chosen project (and an example one for guidance)