Multimedia Development

Analysis

The first step in the development of multimedia is an analysis which often consists of the following:

• goals and objectives of the project
• audience analysis (who will view the final product?)
• design likes and dislikes
• design principles
• review of current material available
• cost of generating new material
• identification of budgetary constraints
• any development constraints which may exists
  
  

Design

After the analysis is complete, we focus our attention on the design phase of the project. During this phase, we look at all the elements of the project to determine the best method for design and delivery of the message.

Once the delivery method is identified and the message (or content) is refined, the process turns to creation of a master template for the project. This usually takes form as a storyboard.

A storyboard involves a step by step outline, in visual form, identifying all the components of the project. It is similar to completing a puzzle. The components are moved around until they all fit into the project in the most logical and beneficial manner.

We then determine the layout for the project. This process would include selecting font types, graphics, colors, backgrounds, navigation tools, and other visual aspects.

In short, the design phase focuses on specific details of what the finished product will do and look.

Development

The development phase involves the actual creation of the media.

Testing

Once developed, it is necessary to test the material. The testing phase targets multiple areas including:

• content specific - Is the material complete, accurate, and understandable?
• design specific - Is the material aesthetically pleasing? Does it send a clear message. Is there extraneous "noise" which should be eliminated?
• function specific - Do all the components work as designed.

Revision

Based on the results of the testing phase, any necessary revisions are made.