Unit 17 - Multimedia Products Development

Welcome to Unit 17: This Unit covers the characteristics and uses of multimedia and how to design, and develop multimedia products using a list of specifications and following specific rules. This unit was so helpful in terms of giving an overall idea on how multimedia products are created as we had a closer look at the development process for existing multimedia products in the current market. In this unit we explored the purposes, uses and key features of multimedia products to acquire a greater level of understanding when developing our own multimedia products.

This unit is assessed through assignments, through a series of four internally marked tasks which are Learning Aim A, B, C & D. There were different grading levels for each task, with Pass, Merit or Distinction. To complete these tasks, we were given a scenario with a set list of criteria to develop a two multimedia products for a client/company, which demonstrate my knowledge and understanding of the multimedia product design, and development process.

Learning Aim A:

In Learning Aim A, I demonstrated my knowledge by creating a PowerPoint presentation explaining the different types of multimedia products and the differences between two linear and interactive products. I had to create a logo containing the logo 'Computing & Digital' and then put this logo in some products such as t-Shirts, Shorts or Caps to promote our College and out of everyone's design there would be a winning design which the college will chose and use it. Then I reviewed how these products fit their purpose, and finally, discussed the strengths and weaknesses of the two products.

Learning Aim B:

In Learning Aim B, I used the requirements for the given scenario to design two multimedia products. One being an app promoting healthy lifestyle, and a a single-player maze game. I identified the purpose and user requirements for both products as specified in the briefs. I then produced a proposed design solution for both products using a range of tools to develop the two prototypes, used the logo I had created in Task 1 as an easy solution and then I produced alternative designs for each product, justified the design decisions as to which design fulfilled the client’s requirements for both products as stated in the brief.

Learning Aim C:

In Learning Aim C, I created the the proposed products detailed plans from Task 2 as a guide. I developed a linear presentation, and a interactive maze game product, both of which I then tested for functionality, and gathered feedback from peers/classmates to improve usability. With the feedback I received I took it as a starting reference for further improvements.

Learning Aim D:

In Learning Aim D, I reviewed the final products and the client’s requirements, and evaluated the extent to which the products were suitable for the client’s needs while considering the feedback, changes and any improvement during the development of both products. In just a phrase, in Learning Aim D I documented every step of my work, gave a justification supporting my work/creation, and it was ready for submission.

Evaluation:

Designing and developing the app and product designs was easy, however it was extremely time consuming as we had to research about the topic the theme we were given about promoting healthy lifestyle before creating the design and find details to make the app as 'perfect' as possible. Once this was accomplished however, it was only a matter of creating and finding the assets that I needed in order to create the slides for the presentation, which was straight-forward.

To create the second product, the interactive maze game was much more challenging as I had to figure out how to use the software which was used to create the interactive game. After a few weeks of trial and error, I managed to work out how to use the software and created the game with very little difficulty after the initial slow start.

I feel I need to work on my confidence with designing an interactive game product using multimedia as I found that because my confidence with games design was lacking, it made finishing this unit a lot harder because I was procrastinating an awful lot.