Interactive Multimedia Development Cycle
Multimedia development requires a collaborative approach that utilises a development team with diverse skills and talents. This team approach is essential due to the large number of management, instructional, technical and artistic skills that are required in development. It is virtually impossible for any one individual to possess all skills necessary to complete a multimedia project. It is typical for a development team to consist of content experts, educational designers, graphic designers, technical designers/programmers and audio-visual specialists. All bring special talents to the project.
In order to coordinate the efforts of the development team a structured multimedia development plan is necessary. A simple way of thinking about multimedia design and development is represented below. This model shows that the design and development of interactive multimedia is a cyclical or iterative process leading to a final implementation.
A Simple Design and Development Cycle
(Adapted from Phillips (1997) Developers guide to interactive multimedia. A methodology for educational applications. Kogen Page.)
A more complex design and development model developed by Mike Keppell, the former Head of the BMU, can be found here [PDF 8 kB]. This shows how the development of interactive multimedia goes through a number of stages and that evaluation is integral to the development process.
The BMU follows a development cycle based on these approaches and is represented in this diagram [PDF 376 kB]. This development cycle dovetails with a program of formative evaluation [Shockwave 380 kB].
If you have any questions about the approach the BMU takes in the design and development of interactive multimedia please contact Gregor Kennedy.