The Various Forms of Multimedia Design - Coursework Example

Multimedia Design and ing The digital age has provided people exceptional literary works through computer-based-systems. Various computerprograms have creatively enhanced the quality of texts, images and graphic arts, sounds, visual effects, animations and information architecture in general. The combination of these, if not all, are popularly referred to as “multimedia”, that impacted tremendously the broad areas of business, education, advertising, publications, entertainment, information technology and even the field of healthcare. This paper looks at the various forms of multimedia technologies and designs, the potentials and powerful authoring tools, giving emphasis on the use of Flash and its uses, its creative features, and how will users from various sectors or industries benefit from the software. Multimedia, as described by Vaughan (2001), is a combination of different elements, such as images, text, video, sound, and animation. She further explained that there are creative ways to present information, which include integrating several forms of media such as converting text to graphics or video to sound. Multimedia enables the user to have control as to what or when the delivery of necessary elements graphics and video objects into scenes is. In addition, Li & Drew (2003, 3) expressed that multimedia consist of multiple modalities of texts, images, audio, drawings, etc., and are placed to use in video conferences, cooperative work environments, augmented reality, voice recognition, telemedicine and the like. The previously mentioned modalities may be applied in different multimedia designs such as scripting, graphics, sounds, video, animations and interactive designs. Scripting employs a set of instructions, that a computer can follow and can respond to changing conditions, making decisions, examine information or even wait for a while prior to taking action. Scripts get control of the features of specific software which are purchased, make programs by using inter-application communication, and also give economic solution to certain needs of a business. For example, by simply clicking the button, company logo is inserted in a letter, or can insert an information from a database. Macintosh software, including Microsoft, Aladdin, FileMaker, and Apple itself are major producers in making applications scriptable. Usually, tools needed to make scripting work are already included in the purchased system software (ActiveMac Consulting, 2004). Another popular multimedia design is the graphic design, which adheres to basic principles of color, texture, balance, form, contrast, continuity and others. In deciding which graphics software programs will be used, determine which approach is most suitable; choose between rastor graphics or vector graphics (Williams & Tollett, 1998; Louie & Taylor). Rastor graphics are popularly called as bitmap images. Graphics are "tight and efficient" if made from vector graphics program (Louie & Taylor, 1996), which will require only less memory as compared to a similar graphic in rastor form. Adobe Illustrator can be used as a powerful publishing tool if vector graphics are used; the graphics can also be exported to Web using this software. Adobe Photoshop is ideal software to enhance quality of graphics, image manipulation tool and processing. For creating graphics specifically for the web, Macromedia Fireworks is an effective tool for the purpose, while Macromedia Freehand is ideal for texts and web graphics editing tool since it supports bitmap formats like GIF, PNG, and JPEG (Li & Drew, 2003, 31). Another multimedia design which gain remarkable popularity in the market is the audio technology. Audio files are readily available and are accessible in the six audio technologies, namely; QuickTime, MS Audio, RealAudio, MP3, a2b, and Liquid Audio. In several reviews conducted, consumer feedbacks vary based on the six major technologies. According to Interactive Media Development Site, based in University of Texas, Austin (2000), the type of technology selected, is dependent on the type of sound a user prefers. Acid DJ 2.0 is an example of a tool for audio editing and is useful for creatively changing sound files. Li & Drew (2003, 30) stated that, Cool Edit is an example for a very powerful digital audio toolkit, that emulates a professional sound and audio studio productions; for PC-based program, Sound Forge is used to edit audio WAV as well as sound effects. Nevertheless, for high-end audio editing and production, MIDI creation, audio mixing and recording, Pro Tools can do the tasks. The interesting part of multimedia content, is when it is enriched with animated graphics. Animations are produced from a series of still images, although very tasking in the part of the designers, it can add excitement to information. The captured images are displayed quickly in succession, so that viewers can perceive it in continuous motion. Some animation programs utilize one’s own technique and data formats called streaming, whereby, data can be specially formatted time-based, and the file can playback even before it has been completely downloaded. Several formats for animation exist today, with different uses and capabilities. Examples are: GIF, QuickTime, Java, Macromedia, Netscape Plug-Ins, FutureWave and MBED. What is more, animation software could either be 2D or 3D, which means it require the artist to combine perspective and shading. Animation software also depends greatly on the budget, type of project, development time and graphic style desired to be achieved. Perhaps, another exciting design in multimedia, is the interactive design. Interactive multimedia is a powerful, aesthetically appealing and entertaining design, which aims to guide user’s important things to learn and what to do next. The term (Schneider, 2008, 125) applies to a huge collection of computer products that are integrated with video and audio systems. It consists of new digital technology application to text, graphics, video, film, music and animation which merge the power of computers, televisions, compact discs and others. Interactive designs provide users with high level of control over visual and audio hardware enabling them to interact with the communication medium. Today, message boards, teleconferencing, email, mailing lists, internet phone, chat and online forum, are few common interactive media tools used (Brown, Chen, Miller, Eyk & Weinman, 1996; 1-19). Moreover, Shank (2008, 4) a recognized instructional designer and digital technologist, pointed out that, combining media mindfully in certain ways which capitalize on the characteristics of every individual medium can extend and augment learning experience. Designers should initially find out what outcomes are to be achieved by them in designing, and then choose elements appropriate for the said outcomes. Designers need to be sure that their selected multimedia elements are well designed and work well together. In most cases, designing good multimedia will require the benefits from a team of people and their genuine consideration with instructional design, Information architecture, graphic arts, and usability skills. As to Mayer and Najjar (2003, 125-139), who also provided important principles in multimedia designing, disclosed that, one must be careful not be held captive to other design principles without taking consideration the idiosyncrasies of certain situations. Although there are several opportunities offered in multimedia design, it is critical that a good, meaningful and effective learning environment is ensured. A good designer learns and knows when rules are followed and when to respond in a certain situation. As previously explained, todays multimedia authoring tools have evolved to provide the power to create an animated, interactive, state-of-the-art programs useful in the effective use of information in most educational and business sites. Designers have integrated in the software dozen other advanced features, with designs that are so elegant like Flash Applications. Flash is an authoring tool which enable users to create almost any form of art, from simple to complex animation, interactive web application for an online store for example, or personalize media applications enriched with pictures, video and sound. The tool includes several powerful, yet easy to use features, like drag-and-drop user interface components, actionScript, and also some special effects which can be added to objects (Adobe Systems Incorporated, 2007, 5). It comes together with products from the Macromedia software partner, like Microsoft, Netscape, AOL, Apple, and Opera, and brings rich content and applications to more than 516 million people worldwide. This tool (Flash) is marketed by Macromedia at a highest standard for producing quality Web experiences. With Flash, designers can produce low bandwidth advanced Web applications through the use of scripting, forms, and server-side connectivity. The program is user-friendly as compared to other programs like Director 7.0. According to Delandreville (2000), it simplifies the animation process. Lately, two (2) editions of Flash have been distributed: The Flash Basic 8 and The Flash Professional. Flash Basic 8, according to Macromedia; it consist of interactive tool that is perfect for designing the web, interactive media professional, or subjects which relates to professional multimedia content development. Works like creation, import, and manipulation of various media types (audio, video, text, bitmaps, vectors, and data) is the focus of Flash Basic 8. On the other hand, Flash Professional 8 is intended for advanced web designers, as well as application builders. The tool includes every feature therein of Flash Basic 8, added with several other powerful new tools. Similarly, some features include external scripting and capabilities for the purpose of effective handling dynamic data from databases, specifically suitable for complex projects, large-scale, assigned using Flash Player with corresponding hybrid of HTML content. The two (2) editions of Flash provide higher degree of expressiveness, text support, improvements of scripting, and video support (Macromedia, 2007, 7). One distinct feature of flash is the sense of greater expressiveness of the look and feel of the the created projects. Expressiveness is achieved since it has gradient enhancements which allow users to control and apply complex gradients as well as other parameters to the gradient. The workflow for gradients’ application has also been simplified. An editable focal point is also included which lets the user place the center of a gradient fill put to an object. Aside from that, shapes can readily be created on the stage, without creating or causing changes with other overlapping shapes, unlike lower versions of Flash. The tool is also provided with rectanglular and oval dialog box that helps adjust width and heights of created shapes. Strokes of the created images are enhanced to a maximum size , up to 200 pixels, more cleanly and precisely. Also, the Pencil tool and Brush tool can now be adjusted to certain degree, allowing SWF file reduction. Other than that, there are text boxes provided that can be resized easily. The importer for Macromedia Fireworks is now enhanced. When users import Fireworks files into Flash, the properties of graphics remain and can be edited in Flash. Other added features are improvement of texts in both flash authoring and Flash Player, improved anti-aliasing options, script assistance, and many other enhancement tools. Although there are numerous benefits that users obtain from Flash, some editors and consumers claimed however, that there are difficulties encountered in its usage (Web Solutions, 2000), examples; Flash requires specific version of the plug-in, sometimes, it doesn’t print well and there is difficulty in copying and pasting of text, few problems in the search engine placement, and difficulty in emailing the links to specific content. In summary, the demand for more innovative and well designed multimedia at present time is inevitable, and multimedia designers are motivated to help build more creative and effective mental pictures other than conventional designs. Studies have proven that well-designed multimedia have positive effects to users such as: Accelerated learning, active participation, art appreciation, retention and application of knowledge, effective problem-solving as well as decision-making skills, higher-order thinking, system understanding, focus, control, autonomy and support information. Users must be aware of several media types and/or designs such as use of buttons, image map, site map, navigation tree, links, table of contents, and search. All these are necessary for navigators. Each element of the multimedia design and is involve in text, sounds, graphics, video, images, animations and interactive and authoring tools must be utilized wisely, as well as delivered to users at the highest quality standards. Both designers and users must realize that the selection and utilization of multimedia must be in accordance to the learning needs of their clienteles and they must consider the implications of the medium being use on people. After all, the power of multimedia designs and authoring tools lie on its effective contents with affirmation from end users.. References ActiveMac Consulting, (2004) Script. ActiveMac Consulting, viewed 25 December 2008, Brown, N., Chen, P., Miller, D., Van Eyk, P. and Weinman, W. (1996) Designing web animation. New Riders Publishing, 201 West 103rd Street, Indianapolis, IN 46290 USA. Center for Instructional Technologies (2000) Audio technologies on the internet. Interactive Media Development. University of Texas, Austin, USA. Center for Instructional Technologies (2000) The current state of audio technology. Interactive Media Development. University of Texas, Austin, USA. Delandraville, D. (2000). Have you ever been framed? ZDNet Developer, viewed 25 December 2008, Li & Drew cPrentice Hall (2003) Fundamentals of multimedia. Viewed 25 December, Louie & Taylor, The image ready vs. fireworks Shootout, viewed 25 December 2008, Mayer, R. E. (2003) The promise of multimedia learning: Using the same instructional design methods across different media. Learning and Instruction, 13, 125-139. Shank, P. (2008) The value of multimedia in learning. USA. Schneider, L.S. (2008) Interactive multimedia- communications of the future. TexTrix 622 Blue Ridge, Ste., 107 Martinez, CA 94553-5906 Vaughan, T. (2001). Multimedia: Making it work. (5th Ed.) New York: Osborne/McGraw- Hill. Web Solutions. META tagging. Viewed 25 December 2008, William, R. & Tollett, J. (2000). The Non-designer’s web book. (2nd Ed.), Peachpit Press, California: USA. Williams, R., & J. Tollett. (1998). The Non-designers webb. Peachpit Press, Berkeley: (172-178). Read More