1. Chapter 10
Multimedia and the Web

2. 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.

3. Learning Objectives, cont’d.
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.

4. Overview This chapter covers: The elements of multimedia
Common multimedia applications
Design principles of multimedia
Multimedia and Web development

5. 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.

6. Advantages and Disadvantages of Using Multimedia
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

7. 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.

9. 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
TIF
GIF
JPEG
PNG

11. 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.

13. 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

15. 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.

16. Non-Web-Based Multimedia Applications
Business presentations
Reference materials
Virtual reality
Computer-based training
Entertainment
Information kiosks

17. 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

18. 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.

19. Basic Design Principles, cont’d.
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

20. Determining the Intended Audience and Objectives
The intended audience will help determine the appearance of the application.
The objectives will help determine the content.

21. 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.

23. Navigational Design Considerations
A site should be well organized (use the three-mouse-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

24. 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.

25. 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

26. Creating the Multimedia Elements
Graphics software
Painting and drawing programs
Image editing programs
Audio and video software
Animation software

28. Creating the Application or Web Site
Multimedia authoring software
Director, Authorware, Toolbook
Web site authoring software
Dreamweaver, HomeSite, GoLive
Storefront software

29. Testing the Site or Application
Test navigation
Test usability
Proofread carefully
Web site considerations:
Browser and computer incompatibility
Download time
Broken links
Stress test

30. 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