Principles New Media

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MSc Multimedia 2009Principles of New Media


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1) Numerical Representation

A new media object can be described formally thisusually means mathematically.


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A new media object can be described formally(mathematically).

A new media object is subject to algorithmicmanipulation.


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A new media object can be described formally(mathematically).

A new media object is subject to algorithmicmanipulation.

In other words, media becomes programmable.


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2) Modularity

This principle can be called the 'fractal structure of new media.'Just as a fractal has the same structure on different scales, a new

media object has the same modular structure throughout.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WAJE35wX1nQ

http://www.ted.com/talks/blaise_aguera_y_arcas_demos_photosynth.htm

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s-DqZ8jAmv0

http://vimeo.com/6496886
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WAJE35wX1nQhttp://www.ted.com/talks/blaise_aguera_y_arcas_demos_photosynth.htmlhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s-DqZ8jAmv0http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s-DqZ8jAmv0http://www.ted.com/talks/blaise_aguera_y_arcas_demos_photosynth.htmlhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WAJE35wX1nQ


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2) Modularity

Different levels of granularity:

Pixels, samples, polygons, scripts, and vectors combineinto images, models, buttons, sounds, etc..

Images, movies, text, and sounds combine into 'pages'. Pages combine into larger objects like programs,applications, websites, etc..


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3) Automation

For example: Photoshop filters, Blogger, Pro Tools faderautomation/noise reduction/strip silence, AI, 3D dynamicFX, FCP video crossfades/dissolves, search engines,software 'wizards', OSs, etc., etc..


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4) Variability

Multiple versions for different delivery platforms,remixes of songs, user-generated web pages, skinning.


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4) Variability

Multiple versions for different delivery platforms,remixes of songs, user-generated web pages, skinning.

Because the Internet can be thought of as one huge

distributed multimedia database, it becomes possible toseparate the levels of 'content' (data) and interface. Anumber of different interfaces can be created from thesame data. A new media object can be defined as oneor more interfaces to a multimedia database.


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4) Variability

Multiple versions for different delivery platforms, remixes of songs,user-generated web pages, skinning.

Because the Internet can be thought of as one huge distributedmultimedia database, it becomes possible to separate the levels of'content' (data) and interface.A number of different interfaces can becreated from the same data. A new media object can be defined as oneor more interfaces to a multimedia database.

Information about the user can be used to automatically customizethe media composition as well as to create the elements themselves.


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4) Variability

In hypermedia, the multimedia elements making adocument are connected through hyperlinks. Thus theelements and the structure are independent of each

other, rather than hard-wired together as in traditionalmedia. We can think of all possible paths through ahypermedia document as being different versions of it.


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4) Variability

In hypermedia, the multimedia elements making a documentare connected through hyperlinks. Thus the elements and thestructure are independent of each other, rather than hard-

wired together as in traditional media. We can think of allpossible paths through a hypermedia document as beingdifferent versions of it.

New media objects can be the subject of constant revisionand updating.


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4) Variability

In hypermedia, the multimedia elements making a document areconnected through hyperlinks. Thus the elements and the structure areindependent of each other, rather than hard-wired together as intraditional media. We can think of all possible paths through a

hypermedia document as being different versions of it.

New media objects can be the subject of constant revision andupdating.

Scalability (e.g. differing quality QT movies for different connectionspeeds).


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4) Variability

"In industrial mass society everyone was supposed to enjoy the samegoodsand to share the same beliefs. This was also the logic ofmedia technology. A media object was assembled in a media factory(such as a Hollywood studio). Millions of identical copies were

produced and distributed to all the citizens. Broadcasting, cinema,and print media all followed this logic. In a post-industrial society,every citizen can construct her own custom lifestyle and 'select' herideology from a large (but not infinite) number of choices. The logicof new media technology reflects this new social logic."


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4) Variability

New media programmer always try "to use variables ratherthan constants.

If we apply this principle to culture at large, it would mean thatevery choice responsible for giving a cultural object a uniqueidentity can potentially always remain open.

By passing on these choice to the user, the author also passeson the responsibility to represent the world and the humancondition in it."


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5) Transcoding

"In new media lingo, to 'transcode' something is to translate it intoanother format. The computerization of culture gradually

accomplishes similar transcoding in relation to all culturalcategories and concepts. That is, cultural categories and conceptsare substitutes, on the level of meaning and/or language, by newones that derive from the computer's ontology, epistemology, andpragmatics. New media thus acts as a forerunner of this moregeneral process of cultural reconceptualization."


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6) Reference

Manovich, L. (2001) The Language of New Media.Cambridge, London: The MIT Press.

Documents

Principles New Media