Making multimedia usable: User interface design

Article Abstract:

Multimedia presentations need to do more than provide information, they must help the user learn, and provide them with an easy way to navigate the content. In order to develop a good user interface, the developer must understand the target user and develop appropriately. A user-centered design takes into account the user's demographic characteristics and needs, and attempts to understand the user's role and tasks. By transferring the user's real world into an on-screen metaphor, a familiar reference is provided that produces an more accessible work environment. Consistency and clarity are also critical elements in defining the metaphor. The cognitive model accounts for how the user interacts with the product's functions and data. The functions and data must be organized to reflect the various roles users may assume. The data and functions should be made to appear simple, by providing convenient controls such as menus, dialogs, and control panels.

System design, Technology development, Systems analysis, Multimedia systems, GUI, Graphical user interfaces, User Interface, User interfaces (Computers), Multimedia Technology, Technology Information

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Making music on a multimedia diet

Article Abstract:

LucasArts' $54.95 The Dig multimedia CD-ROM adventure game receives the best score of six multimedia CDs evaluated. The Dig combines an entertaining Steven Spielberg concept with experienced gaming techniques from LucasArts. The Dig contains challenging puzzles, fun characters and entertaining plot elements. However, The Dig has poor-quality graphics and out-dated video compression. Grolier Electronic Publishing's $39.95 Greg Norman Ultimate Challenge Golf also scores well, providing users with a 3D feel, high-quality golf graphics and realistic swing sequences. The game's drawbacks include complex hole designs, difficult club selection and unimpressive putting-surface contours. Viacom New Media's $24.95 MTV Unplugged receives the lowest score for its cryptic and unclear interfaces, limited video clips and absence of a complete song.

Evaluation, Product/Service Evaluation, Entertainment/hobby software, Software multiproduct review, Entertainment software, Hobby software, Computer adventure games, Adventure game, Computer sports games, Online gambling, Grolier Publishing Co., Viacom International Inc., Sports/Gambling Game, Greg Norman's Ultimate Golf Challenge (Sports/gambling game), LucasArts Entertainment Company L.L.C., The Dig (Adventure game), MTV Unplugged (Entertainment/hobby software)

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Playing it by ear: music-making tools for noncomposers

Article Abstract:

Music production tools that are easy to use and inexpensive are now available for incorporating quality music for interactive projects. These tools are of two types: one type provides intuitive methods for editing and arranging prerecorded music and instruments, and the other allows users to compose music with the computer. Sonic Desktop's $199 SmartSound for Multimedia offers its Maestro window to aid novice conductors in matching music to mood. Magix Entertainment's $50 Music Maker Deluxe provides budding composers with guitar riffs, drum grooves and piano samples for composing songs from scratch. Mixman Studio from Mixman Technologies uses a virtual-DJ approach in music mixing, an especially helpful tool for those without a good sense of timing or rhythm.

Design and construction, Buyers Guide, Multimedia authoring software, Software buyers' guide, Music software, Sonic Desktop Software Inc., Magix Entertainment Corp., Mixman Technologies, SmartSound for Multimedia (Multimedia authoring software), Music Maker Deluxe (Music software), Mixman Studio (Music software)

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