Multimedia Platforms and Their Design Considerations

Rich media content can appear in many forms: advertising, POS, exhibition stands etc in which a variety of issues have to be considered. More so for the World Wide Web.

The main issue is that of file size, where it is important to weigh up the content versus the download time. Although we may live in a time of high speed broadband, consideration must be made for the 8% of UK users still connecting via dial up or a low broadband speed (http://www.webuser.co.uk/news/256799.html, correct as of 2008). It is still possible to develop two versions for hi and low speed users, however this may be more frustrating for the user. Unable to view the rich content he/she may feel resentful at being forced to “miss out” on the cool stuff.

Rich content such as Flash on the web can be easily customizable for the client to control the look and feel of their own website (certain section) without too much difficulty (i.e.www.tottenhamhotspur.com, www.swrt.com).However not everyone has flash (although it is very easy to install) and because of this an alternative has to be considered.

Interactivity is not necessarily just for web, offline products also require careful thought in the user interface interaction, for example Salon Reception is a standalone desktop application which we are currently developing. Along with this interactivity testing must be fulfilled to ensure a pleasurable experience.

The advantage of developing for stand alone applications is that there are no file size restrictions, video post production can be introduced and the environment can add to the overall impact of a presentation. Additionally due to the lack of interactivity more time can be devoted to the design and implementation of the overall message that would otherwise be allocated to testing the interface.

As HD is becoming more mainstream exhibition videos and advertising can take advantage of its crystal clear picture quality adding prestige to the product.

Although there are numerous intrinsic similarities in designing for different mediums a considered approach is needed to cater for their various idiosyncrasies to maximize wooshiness (I got it in there at the end).

Richard