Week1

WHAT IS MULTIMEDIA

  • Definition: Multimedia refers to media and content that combines various forms of content like text, images, audio, video, and animations.

  • Historical Context: The term was coined around 1962, marking the evolution of communication methods.

  • Consideration of Different Definitions: Definitions encompass the use of multiple modalities to express ideas in various formats.

MULTIMEDIA HISTORY

  • Before 1800s:

    • Prehistoric humans created images in caves (15,000 - 13,000 BC).

    • 1041AD: Bi Sheng invents movable type in China.

    • 1450: Gutenberg develops movable type for mass book production.

    • 1702: England’s first daily newspaper publishes.

  • 1800-1900:

    • 1814: First photographic image by Niépce.

    • 1837: Daguerre invents practical photographic reproduction.

    • 1895: Lumiere brothers produce the first motion picture.

  • 1900-1940:

    • 1927: The Jazz Singer introduces synchronized sound in film.

    • 1939: The Wizard of Oz showcases color vs. black and white cinematography.

  • 1940-1993:

    • 1969: ARPANET established, pioneering the future of the Internet.

    • 1991: Tim Berners-Lee develops the World Wide Web.

    • 1993: The release of Mosaic, the first graphical web browser.

DESIGN TIPS

  • Good Design Principles:

    • Follow the CRAP principles: Contrast, Repetition, Alignment, and Proximity.

    • Ensure visual coherence by adhering to these design principles.

    • Simple and effective design can improve user engagement.

  • Effective Typography:

    • Font types divided into Serif (easier to read in paragraphs) and Sans Serif (best for headings).

    • Maintain readability, but also pay attention to aesthetic alignment with content.

FONT/TEXT TIPS

  • Font Size Measurement:

    • Points, pixels, ems: Different ways to set font sizes relative to display medium.

    • Recommended to use relative measures like % for accessibility.

  • Color and Readability:

    • Text color must provide sufficient contrast against the background.

    • Avoid clutter; allow for white space and easy navigation for readers.

  • Consistency:

    • Stick to a limited number of fonts/styles to maintain a consistent appearance.

  • Avoid Underlining:

    • Underlining text in web content can confuse readers, as it implies that the text is a hyperlink.

MONITORS & DISPLAY

  • Understanding Monitors:

    • Monitors display visuals using pixels which create text or images based on color.

    • Different monitor and printer resolutions affect the size and clarity of displayed content (dpi considerations).

  • Digital vs Print:

    • Pixels on screens and dots in printing serve similar functions but differ in quality and size.

COMMUNICATING WITH MULTIMEDIA

  • Emotional Engagement:

    • Utilize the five senses when communicating. While only sight, sound, and touch can be effectively used online (via interactive media, video, etc.), enhancing emotional engagement is key.

FINAL THOUGHTS

  • First Impressions:

    • Within 7-15 seconds, viewers decide their impression of a website or media.

    • Quality design and engaging content are critical to keeping users invested.