Multimedia Authoring Programs

CECS 5110

Multimedia Authoring Programs

Create multimedia titles Produce content w/paint, text & animation tools Design screen layout Create interactivity Incorporate text, sound, video, animation &

graphics Create hyperlinks

Multimedia Uses Multimedia Presentations

One-way, linear communication processSimilar to slide show

Stand-Alone ApplicationsOne-on-one situationsUser control – view & review selectionshyper linking

How Authoring Systems Work

Metaphor Used

Electronic Slide Shows Card Stack and Book Metaphor Icon-based Authoring Programs Time-based Authoring Programs

Electronic Slide Show Metaphor

Example: PowerPoint Advantages

Easy to learn & useInexpensive

DisadvantagesLinearNon-interactive nature

Card Stack and Book Metaphor

Examples:– HyperCard – linked cards– ToolBook – each page is a screen

ToolBook

Card Stack and Book Metaphor

Disadvantages

– Some run only on one platform

– Tools not as powerful as equiv. stand-alones

Advantages

– Easy to understand metaphor– 1 screen = 1 card = 1 page– Easy to use

Provide templateShort development time

Icon-based Authoring Programs

Authorware – uses symbols in a flowchart scheme

AdvantagesEasy to see structure, flow and branchingEasy to edit and update

Disadvantages Less intuitiveDifficult to learn

Time-based Authoring Programs

Macromedia Director - movie metaphor Advantages

Good for creating animationBranching, user control,

interactivity Disadvantages

ExpensiveSteep learning curve

for advanced featuresExample

Programming Languages Scripting – code generated within authoring

programs Examples:

Toolbook to handle buttonClick

Flip 4 pages

end buttonClick

Programming Languages Scripting – code generated within authoring

programs Examples:

Director’s Lingo on mouseUp go to frame 20 end mouseUp

Choosing Authoring System

Based on:Target playback systemDesired featuresDevelopment timelineBudgetDeveloper’s expertise

The End

University of North Texas

Dr. Vicky Cereijo