A multimedia development team consists of many different skill oriented people, who include a producer, educational consultant, media consultant, media designers, media specialists, Webmaster etc. However, the whole team works for a single objective that is creation of an effective multimedia application. Therefore, one of the major issues for Multimedia production is to plan an application. A multimedia project should be planned through following stepwise process:
Develop the Multimedia programme/application concept.
Outline your programme.
Develop a flowchart.
Develop programme storyboard.
Plan the user interface.
Consider copyright issue.
Plan the production of text, graphics, animation, audio, and
Prepare the project budget and time schedule.
This planning process is also presented in figure given below.
Defining the Goal: The Goal of a multimedia application is defined by the scope of work, which is a written description of the proposed multimedia project. The scope of work clarifies your ideas and goals regarding the proposed project. It also helps the development team members to visualize the basic objectives of the programme.
Outlining: Once the goal and the objectives of the programme are clear, the next step is to create Outline of the project. An interactive multimedia presentation may not necessary be Linear presentation like a slide show or a video programme. It has the capacity of Branching. The outline of a programme represents branching in a Multimedia Programme. The content specialist does the outlining. Developing an outline for an interactive multimedia project is almost the same as that of developing an outline for a chapter of the book. However, the outlining of Multimedia structure is translated into branches or points of decision on the screen. Even the main outlining headings may become options available to the user in the main menu of the Multimedia presentation program with sub-heading becoming the Sub-Menu entries.
Logic flow chart: The logic flow chart is an important component of an Interactive Multimedia Programme. A logic flow chart is a graphical road map of the proposed application. The Authoring team takes the help of this flowchart to produce the final multimedia Application. The complexity of these flow charts is dependent on the applications being Developed. The flowcharts, which illustrate games, are among the most complex flowcharts.
Program storyboard: The storyboard is a graphical representation of the proposed multimedia project. The storyboard is an extension of ideas presented in the programme script. It is presented with a series of templates used for various purposes. These templates are very useful information and help the developer to keep a production log or history of the work. They also help in keeping track of the production design and help in identifying the design parameters for the application development.
Planning for creation of multimedia building blocks: The development of multimedia building blocks is an extensive process and requires a number of production steps. In the planning phase of it, the basic script or content of this element is defined. The content specialist may be requested to provide such information. Availability of already available resources should also be indicated at this level.
Copyright Issue and Its Management: While designing multimedia application, copyright issue plays a crucial role because of two fundamental reasons.
Multimedia involves use of multiple media each of that media element may be protected under the copyright laws.
Original multimedia works are also protected by copyrights. The Copyright laws protect the works like Printed or Electronic text forms , computer software, Musical works, Dramatic works ,Dances and mime works , Pictorial, graphics, and sculptural works , Motion picture etc. Therefore, it is important that during the planning phase you sort the copyright issues relating to getting permissions of using copyright material from its owner.
Defining the Production Schedule: A Timeline, defining the activities needed the person responsible for each activity and the start/end time of each activity should be developed. This establishes the standard with which to compare progress, ascertain deviations from plan and take timely corrective action.
Devising a Technical Plan: A technical plan addresses the needs of the production and the needs of the end user. It defines how an end user will experience the project and accordingly lays down the system requirement conditions like screen requirement, CD-ROM speed, memory requirement and hard disk requirement.
Project Budgeting: Once the project timeline or schedule is ready, the next step is to prepare the project budget. This is essential as time and money are not infinite resources.
Planning the Structure: It involves the following steps:
Defining the goals and objectives of the proposed multimedia title
Describing the content of the title
Developing the application script
Translating the application script into an outline
Translating the outline into a logic flow chart
Developing the storyboard for each screen
Hardware Issues: For any multimedia production it is imperative to consider and finalize the "tools" and equipment necessary to develop and play back the application. Hardware issues include deciding, securing the fastest CPU and RAM and largest monitors that is affordable, sufficient disk storage for all working files and records, file sharing for collaborative work via networks or e-mail and establishing a file back-up system.
Authoring Software Selection: Selection of appropriate authoring software depends on team expertise, funds required to acquire new software and to train the manpower and what are the demands of the new title being developed. Two most widely used authoring applications today are Macromedia Director and Macromedia Authorware.
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