1. Gdes2000 Multimedia Structure Multimedia Sample Structures Which multimedia structures are good for which use.

2. Gdes2000 Multimedia Structure Structuring multimedia with flowcharts. Understanding the structure of a multimedia title is an often-overlooked aspect of multimedia design but the designers choice of structure, or architecture, can have a profound effect on the users experiences. The different types of structures can be broadly broken down into 7 common types: Hierarchy Linear Multitrack Virtual Space Branching story Web Structure Modular Constructive Simulation

3. Gdes2000 Multimedia Structure Structuring multimedia with flowcharts. Hierarchy This is one of the simplest ways of organising a multimedia title. Such a structure usually has a main menu screen M that branches into other areas of the title. In this sort of structure there is often more than one route back to the same place. This can lead to your user getting “lost” in the title. The structure also gives few clues as to how “big” the project is. Users can follow a path without knowing how far it will go or what else there is to explore. If you pick up a book you get an impression of how large and complex it is just by its thickness. In a hierarchical multimedia title this is more difficult. M

4. Gdes2000 Multimedia Structure Structuring multimedia with flowcharts. Linear Another straightforward way to organise multimedia is with a linear structure in which the media are presented in a “one after the other” format. This may not seem very interactive - but usually the user can interact with things on each “page” [like Cbeebies step by step stories]. Although this structure may seem very restrictive, it lends itself very well to story telling and allows the author control over the outcome. Some children’s multimedia works in this simple way for storytelling purposes. 1 > 2 > 3

5. Gdes2000 Multimedia Structure Structuring multimedia with flowcharts. Multitrack As the name suggests, this type of structure has multiple streams of synchronised media. It is similar to linear, but goes further by having overlapping linear structures that you can “surf” between. Its a bit like watching digital TV, you can either stay with one channel or switch between channels. The big difference with multitrack is that you can view a few “programmes” (using the analogy above) collaged together on one screen. The user can choose which media they want to participate in as they move forward through the title [like the Gorillaz site]. The advantage over TV is that the user can go at their own pace by using pause etc and choose to look at something in more detail if they wish. This style of presentation is the future of TV – think using the red button on your control etc. M

6. Gdes2000 Multimedia Structure Structuring multimedia with flowcharts. Virtual Space This is a story when the user has control over its order of presentation or even its outcome. This type of multimedia can be broken down into two subsections: Branching story This means the story has many possible endings, the user moves through the story by branching out in a tree like structure. This structure can give the title a greater life span as the user can “read’ it many times and something different can occur on each occasion - however to create such a title is extremely time consuming.... Web Structure This is the use of a familiar space metaphors such as a room, so the user intuitively knows what to do. You see a piece of wood in a hole in the wall - you know its a door, so you open it and it takes you somewhere else... M

7. Gdes2000 Multimedia Structure Structuring multimedia with flowcharts Modular Some titles are the result of multiple independent media objects coming together in different ways to create a custom experience for the user. This is a bit like a Lego collection where you might buy a set of pieces to start off with, then buy other pieces as time goes on to develop what is possible. All these individual pieces are compatible with all the other pieces though - allowing you to piece them together in many different ways. This has several advantages in that the user can enjoy more flexibility with the title. Plus the package can be expanded over time with new media objects. This last point is particularly important as it means there in greatly increased “replayability”. However the developer has to make sure that the original “framework” for the title is sound to allow all future “plug ins” to be compatible. Noodle example. M

8. Gdes2000 Multimedia Structure Structuring multimedia with flowcharts. Constructive This is where rather than new pieces just “plugging in” in the way described in the Modular structure previously, each media object has a “behaviour”. This sort of structure relies on “cause and effect” This sort of title tends to be complex to produce, and therefore time consuming. The design has to take into account all the possible interactions between all of the media objects in the title. M

9. Gdes2000 Multimedia Structure Structuring multimedia with flowcharts. Simulation Multimedia is particularly good for simulating real- life systems. For example games such as “SimCity”, “SimLife”, “SimEarth” and others put the user in control of towns, life forms and worlds. Each media object in the simulation has a behaviour that responds both to conditions and other media objects. Once set in motion, the simulation evolves over time and can be modeled on a real life situation. Again this sort of title is complex to produce and often involves the use of low-level programming.