An Introduction to Multimedia

What is Multimedia

Multimedia is any combination of text, graphics ,art, sound,animation and video with links and tools that let the user navigate, interact, and communicate with the computer. Interactive multimedia - when the user is able to control what and when these elements are delivered Hypermedia when interactive mulltimedia becomes a structure of linked elements through which the learner can navigate.

Multimedia systems include combinations of: Text and hypertext Audio Graphics Animations Video

Audio

Wav files Midi files MP3 files and the Internet Sampling rate and sampling size

Graphics

Pictures, charts, drawings, photos, icons File formats - the best are JPEG, GIF, PICT, TIFF Remember
Bitmapped vs Vector Graphics Compression

Video

Formats - QuickTime, MPEG, wmv, ram, avi Large amount of storage Only some files can be inserted into PPT and play successfully

Animations

Path-based displays the movement on an animated object onto a fixed background in a particular sequence or path. Cel-based creates animation by using a series of still images, each displayed in a frame or cell. Morphing, warping Tweening Compression

Authoring Software Systems

4 different styles Stacked Slide Method Timeline/Stage play method Flowchart ( Icon based) Decision Table Method

Stacked Slide Method (Card based)

These tools create a multimedia package as a a series of cards, pages or slides. Buttons allow us to explore at our own pace, rather than following the order in the stack. Examples include PowerPoint and Hyperstudio.

Timeline Method (Stage Play)

This is often called the actor, stage and script method. Media elements are treated like the cast members in a play that follow a script. Examples of this are Macromedia Flash and Director

Icon Based Flowchart method

Each media element is represented as an icon with logical flow lines between them An example is Macromedia Authorware

Decision Table Method

This method is where all the rules are decided in advance and the user is let loose on the screen. Decision tables are used where all objects and their behaviours are defined and organised. This suits interactive games e.g Klik and Play

Story Board

A storyboard is used to map out a presentation. It provides a general guide for the layout It will show how various components are linked.

Types of Presentations

There are 4 types of presentation: Linear flows from start to finish Hierarchical -user has choice, but topics can be divided into specific topics Non linear user can move freely thorough the presentation along paths that are not restricted. Composite incorporates parts of all the above methods

Design Principals

Who is the target group? What is the aim of the presentation? Storyboard design GUI Design Screen Design

Multimedia Evaluation

Does the presentation get the messages across? Does the presentation hold the interest of the viewer? Is it easy to use? Can a user get around the presentation easily - not get stuck on a page.

GUI Design Principles (WIMP)

ManipulationPeople

want to be in charge of their actions. Objects should be moveable where appropriate and invite interaction.

See and pointActions and navigation should be easily recognised on screen. A user should not have to consult a manual. ConsistencyUsers expect that different applications will have a sameness to them, which means knowledge about one product. FeedbackA click on a button should result in some response that lets the user know it occurred: a sound or a change in the appearance of the button is important.

ForgivenessIf users make mistakes, they

should be able to undo them. All actions should be reversible.

AestheticsThe design should be appealing to users. Objects should not be cluttered on the screen. White space is important and too much text should be avoided. FunctionalityNavigation should be clear and commonly used buttons should be readily accessible. Dangerous actions, such as erasing files, should be difficult to perform.



VoiceWhich person or voice will

you use? I makes the user feel part of the action. You makes the user feel like they are part of a conversation. They can suggest detachment and make a project seem official or authoritative.

Screen Design Tips

Keep it simple Less is More- do not clutter a slide too much Make it BIG - a minimum of font size 18 Pictures can be worth 1000 words Watch your colour combinations -stick to standard combinations Sans serif fonts (Arial) easier to read that serif (Times)

Other Issues

Storage Copyright Plagarism Bibliography very important