Chapter 10

Multimedia and the Web

Learning Objectives

Describe what multimedia is and some

advantages and disadvantages of using it.

Explain the difference between the following

multimedia elements: text, graphics,
animation, audio, and video.

List several Web-based and non-Web-based

multimedia applications.

Learning Objectives, contd.

Briefly describe the basic steps and principles

involved with multimedia and Web site design.

Discuss the various tasks involved with

multimedia and Web site development.

Speculate as to the format of multimedia in

the future.

Overview

This chapter covers:

The elements of multimedia

Common multimedia applications

Design principles of multimedia

Multimedia and Web development

What Is Multimedia?

Multimedia refers to any type of application

or presentation that uses more than one type
of media.

An application is interactive if the user can

control the flow or content by using a touch
screen, keyboard, or mouse to select options
or turn pages.

Advantages and Disadvantages

of Using Multimedia

Advantages
Can fit a variety of learning styles
More interesting and enjoyable experience
Can be easier to understand

Disadvantages
Cost
Amount of storage space required
Limitations of Web-based multimedia

Multimedia Elements:Text

Serif typefaces are typically used for large

bodies of text; sans serif typefaces are more
commonly used for headings.

Different typefaces can convey widely different

feelings and impressions.

Point size should be selected carefully to make

sure text is readable while not taking up too
much of the screen.

Multimedia Elements: Graphics

Graphics are digital representations of images.

Clip art and stock photographs are widely available on CD and on

the Web.

Graphic file formats include:

BMP

JPE
G

TIF

GIF

PNG

Multimedia Elements: Animation

Animation involves a series of graphical images

displayed one after another to simulate movement.

Page transitions, animated GIFs, Java applets,

Shockwave, and Flash are common types of
animation.

Animation can also be added using JavaScript or a

programming language.

Multimedia Elements: Audio

Audio is sound, such as music, spoken voice,

and sound effects.
Audio can be recorded using a microphone or
MIDI device, captured from a CD, or
downloaded from the Internet.
Common audio formats include:

wav
mp3
midi

aif
dcr
swf

Multimedia Elements: Video

Video usually begins as a continuous stream of

visual information; it is broken down into
individual frames when recorded.

Can be recorded using standard video camera and

then input into computer, or recorded directly into
PC or onto digital media using digital video
camera.

Common formats include avi, mpeg, mov, and rm.

Non-Web-Based Multimedia
Applications

Business
presentations

Computer-based
training

Reference materials

Entertainment

Virtual reality

Information kiosks

Web-Based Multimedia
Applications

Web-based training
Self-paced instruction
Ability to update material
Immediate feedback
Entertainment
Online games
Distribution of music
Virtual reality
VRML allows Web
delivery

Basic Design Principles

Applications should be interesting and exciting.

Web site content should be changed on a regular

basis.

Navigation should be clear, consistent, and easy

to understand.

Web site pages should load quickly, and CD

applications should fit on one CD whenever
possible.

Basic Design Principles, contd.

A Web site should work on a variety of PC

configurations. Consider carefully:

Features that require a specific browser

Features that require little-used plug-ins

Content wider than a typical browser window

High-bandwidth items

Determining the Intended

Audience and Objectives

The intended audience will help determine the

appearance of the application.

The objectives will help determine the content.

Using Flowcharts, Page Layouts,

and Storyboards

Flowcharts can be used to describe how pages

of the site or application relate to one another.

Page layouts are commonly used to design the

appearance of a Web site.

Storyboards are commonly used with

multimedia applications to illustrate the
appearance and content of each screen in an
application.

Navigational Design
Considerations

A site should be well organized (use the threemouse-clicks rule).

Larger sites can use a site map.

Other navigational tools include:

Drop-down menus
Search boxes
Text- and image-based navigation bars
Frames

Access Considerations

Modifications should be made for users with

nontraditional PCs, such as:
Mobile devices
Text-only browsers
Screen readers

Federal Web sites need to comply with Web

Accessibility Initiative (WAI) guidelines.

Multimedia and Web Site

Development

Development process includes three steps:

Creating the multimedia elements

Creating the application or Web site

Testing the site or application

Creating the Multimedia

Elements

Graphics software
Painting and drawing programs
Image editing programs

Audio and video software

Animation software

Creating the Application or Web

Site

Multimedia authoring software

Director, Authorware, Toolbook

Web site authoring software

Dreamweaver, HomeSite, GoLive

Storefront software

Testing the Site or Application

Test navigation
Test usability
Proofread carefully
Web site considerations:
Browser and computer incompatibility
Download time
Broken links
Stress test

The Future of Multimedia

Broadband
Merging TV and multimedia Web sites
Interactive TV and TV on demand

Multimedia capabilities built into:

Internet access devices
Game boxes