Process of Multimedia Applications

 in this session, you will learn to Explain the different multimedia blocks in a presentation List and explain the different phases in production process Explain the steps involved in creating a multimedia-based project. In the previous session, you learnt about the various multimedia components. In this session, you will quickly run through the same. You will learn about graphics, text, 2D and 3D Animation, video, and audio. While studying these elements, you can think of, how they can be integrated into a multimedia presentation.

Multimedia Blocks 

Multimedia blocks include the following components: 

 ➤ Graphics 

 ➤ Animation 

 ➤  Text 

 ➤ Video 

 ➤  Sound

Graphics

 There is a famous saying that 'a picture is worth a thousand words'. If this saying is applied to the development of multimedia application, then it means that a graphic can be more appealing and meaningful than a thousand text characters. The selection of graphics, sounds, video, and text to be integrated in a multimedia application is critical for its success.

 People often learn and retain more information from pictures than other forms of information. By properly selecting the most appropriate media combination, the message or goal(s) of the application can be effectively accomplished. The integration of graphics into a multimedia application could include the following elements:

• Background

• Photos

• Three-dimensional Pictures

• Charts (Graphs)

• Flowcharts

• Organizational Charts

• Drawings (Line Art)

• Clip Art

 Buttons (Icons)

Animation

Animation ensures that the users remain engaged with the application and can improve the appeal of an idea. Animation is most commonly associated with cartoons where characters are animated to create stories. You can also produce effective 3D Animation on small scale, like animated 3D logos.

 Text 

Text is one of the most widely used multimedia building block. The intensity of text usage depends greatly on the purpose of the program. You can use and display text in different forms for different purposes. These are some possible uses:

• Titles

• Buttons

• Bullets

• Paragraphs

• Scrolling text 

Text is also related to other multimedia building blocks. For example, when you plan to place text over a background, you must consider the font color, the font size and the contrast against the background. Also, you may have to place the text over the text box with a solid or translucent color.

Video

Video is an impressive feature of a multimedia application. It is a key medium to the multimedia application. It is used for demonstrations, production/drama clips, video conferences, lectures, and trailers. 

 Sound 

All the information need not be text or visuals. Sound (music, narrations, and sound special effects) also enhances the application significantly. Sound should be considered while planning the application. Some forms of sound that can be used are:

 • Special sound effects

 • Narration

 • Audio tracks from analog or digital sources

 • Background music or musical performances

 • Background or ambient sounds 

You can associate special sound effects such as alert sounds (beeps, door slams, and explosions) with buttons. The sound indicates the user that the button is activated and an action is expected. In another instance, animated text rapidly entering the screen can be preceded by the sound of a jet or a whoosh' sound. The integration of alert sounds and special effects provides an additional dimension.

Production Process 

The production of interactive multimedia applications is complex because it involves multiple steps. This process can be divided into the following phases:

 ➤Development 

 ➤Pre-production

 ➤Production

 ➤Post-production 

 ➤Delivery 

In this section, you will learn each phase of the production process and the responsibilities of the Production Manager. 

 Development

Once the Multimedia Architect conceives an idea for the development of an interactive multimedia project, or presents an idea to a client, then the role of the Production Manager is to:

 • Present the Application Content to the potential client or venture capital provider.

 • Support the Multimedia Architect in clearing the rights (if applicable) to develop the concept. 

 • Support the process of building a team that would potentially put together the application. 

 • Support and coordinate the process of raising production funds. 

Apart from the above activities, the Production Manager can also be a part of an existing production team.

Pre-production 

The pre-production phase is initiated after securing the finance and clearty stating the multimedia application concept, goal, and objectives. In the pre-production phase, developers gather creative and technical ideas, collect content, develop storyboard, and prepare flowcharts.

 • The responsibilities of the Production Manager in pre-production phase are:

 • Developing of the budget and budget control system.

 • Hiring of all specialists involved in the multimedia application process.

 • Contracting video and audio production crews and recording studios.

 • Fixing rents, leasing or purchasing, and software acquisition and installation.

 • Planning the research work of the content specialists. 

 • Coordinating of production legal aspects (permits, copyrights, releases, location permits, and contracts).

Production 

After completing all the pre-production activities, the multimedia application enters the production phase. The activities involved in the production process are as follows:

 • Interface design 

 • 2D and 3D graphics development 

 • Sound recording 

 • Selection of musical background and recording 

 • Development of computer animation 

 • Production of digital video 

 • Authoring 

During this phase, the responsibilities of the Production Manager are as follows:

 • Support the production logistics.

 • Manage the budget.

 • Manage the personnel.

 • Keep track of the production process. 

 • Facilitate the flow of information - every member of the multimedia production team must know what is happening in the production.

 • Coordinate public affairs or product marketing activities.

 • Make preparations for the initiation of post-production activities.

 Post-production 

In this phase, the multimedia application enters the alpha and beta testing process. Once the application is tested and revised, it enters the packaging stage. While packaging the application, it is burnt onto a CD or published on the Internet as a Website. During the post-production phase, the activities of the Production Manager are relatively minimum. The responsibilities of the Production Manager during this phase are:

 • Coordinating the testing of the application.

 • Coordinating with the client to request his feedback about the application.

 • Transferring the information received in the testing phase to the production team to ensure product revision. 

 • Coordinating the development of product documentation.

 • Overseeing product packaging.

Delivery 

The final phase of the development and implementation of a multimedia application is the delivery of the product. Product delivery is made through several modes such as kiosk-based delivery, group presentations, individual presentations, and the Internet. All these delivery methods require special attention, especially in dealing with the aspects related to the logistics of the delivery. In this phase, the responsibilities of the Production Manager are:

 • Identifying the logistical needs of delivery modes.

 • Negotiating locations, permits, contracts, and other aspects associated with the location of the delivery. 

 • Verifying the availability of network infrastructure or Internet carrier for the delivery of application via the Internet.