Cumulus vs. Portfolio: An interactivity slam-down between two Digital Asset Management Applications Theories and Practice of Interactive Media 7 December 2004 Don Wilson

Agenda Introduction Consumer Features Definitions Purpose, Significance, Objective Tasks and Results Interactivity comparison Discussion Conclusion

Introduction A picture is worth one thousand keywords, that is if you ever want to see it again Task based comparative analysis between two computer mediated single-user Digital Asset Management applications Does interactivity enhance usability and efficiency? –How and why? –Which is the better application and why?

Consumer Features Display thumbnails, larger previews and view metadata Organize your subjects into categories, galleries, use keywords Records are representational, originals can be stored anywhere Create slide shows, print contact sheets, publish galleries to internet Portfolio can batch convert, rename and move files Portfolio can burn CD catalogues and include browser so user can view and sort files just like application Cumulus 6 ($99.95), Portfolio 7 ($199.95)

Definitions Digital asset: Any digital file – image, text, video, PowerPoint, multimedia, audio, layouts – which holds potential value through reuse. Digital Asset Management: The technology that enables access to existing digital assets and their potential reuse for profit.

Definitions Interactivity: “A cyclic process in which two actors alternately listen, think and speak.” “Conversation is a loop through which information flows, changing its content and character with each pass through the loop (Crawford, 2003).”

Purpose Compare the interactivity of Cumulus and Portfolio using identical tasks Determine best single user application Significance Manage digital assets to save time and make money Digital assets are only assets if they accessible Objective Learn and apply theories and practice of interactivity to my business

Task 1: Download software Cumulus Roughly one hour to download, confusing interface, finally had to go to online help (that worked) –Very confusing feedback, I was lost, not user oriented -2 on a scale of 10 Portfolio Downloaded in five clicks, very simple, immediately offered link to 15 online Flash tutorials –Interactive loop, great navigation, 10 on a scale of 10

Task 2: Add images Cumulus Two hour struggle – back and forth from online help – I still can’t make it work –Too many small steps, not easy and open, heavy memory commitment –Many choices but unclear feedback and strict hierarchy Still -2 on a scale of 10 Portfolio Looked at 7 tutorials, browsed Quick Start PDF and I’m in business making catalog, galleries, dragging & dropping –Intuitive, paths are obvious, great feedback, many choices Still 10 on a scale of 10

Task 3: Keyword search Cumulus Keyword search works great, better than Portfolio –Al keywords listed alphabetically, keyboard shortcuts –Many choices but unclear feedback and strict hierarchy 2 on a scale of 10, the only thing I can do is search keywords Portfolio Keyword search is case sensitive (Mac) –Weak control in search interface, intent to help user slipped 7 on a scale of 10

Interactivity comparison Cumulus –Confusing interface –Poor navigation –Many choices –Confusing feedback = no meaning –Memory dependent –Good control with keywords –Strict hierarchy –Not user oriented Portfolio –Interactive loop –Clear navigation –Many choices –Great feedback –Intuitive (not memory dependent) –Weak control with keywords –User oriented

Discussion Cumulus plagued by large Gulf of Evaluation and Gulf of Execution –Crippled productivity –No flow Portfolio –Good feedback (Schramm, 1982) –Had moments of flow –Actively involved, in control – intent realized (Uses and Gratifications)

Conclusion Cumulus is the anti-Elvis of DAM applications Interactivity made Portfolio far superior in terms of usability and efficiency “If the tedium can be separated from the creative effort, therein lies a potential for application software (Crawford, 2003).”