Then the personal computer became an affordable reality, and the term "multimedia" became a popular catch phrase. Everyone now has an idea of what "multimedia" means to them. It may be a CD-ROM, such as an encyclopedia incorporating sound and video clips to augment the text. Or it may be a website, with animations to (hopefully) add to the user's experience. But most people forget the one item that truly defines modern multimedia:

Interactivity
The forgotten piece.

A computer's strength is its ability to respond to a user's input. Whether that be text from the keyboard, or a sudden shift to the right with the mouse, it takes the information it's given, and reacts to that information. Good multimedia doesn't just feed the user pre-selected information in a pre-determined order, in effect turning the user into a viewer. Instead, it involves the user, making them and their input as much a part of the presentation as the various video clips or audio samples it contains.

As a multimedia programmer, I am always cognisant of this important aspect in my work. I look for ways to give the user control over what they see, and how they see it. Where can they become involved, what can the computer do with their input, what adds to their experience? These are the facets that prevent a multimedia piece from becoming a glorified video.

So what is multimedia? "A computer-based presentation, combining multiple media, such as text, audio, video, animation and other graphics, while allowing user interactivity to control the information presented." Now...

Why?
Why use multimedia to present your information? Many people will talk about the increased retention of information when it is presented in more than one way. Others note that the user stays interested longer when they are an active participant in the learning, and not an easily-bored passive observer.

These are both valid points. But I believe more importantly, it is because multimedia makes the experience personal. The user can adjust what and how they learn to match their style and needs; that's what makes the connection with them. This personalization not only increases their interest in your information, but increases their interest in wanting to learn itself. They want to learn more. It is the difference between attending a lecture, and getting one on one consultation. It can be the same information, with the same props. But increase the level of personalization, and suddenly learning becomes a lot more interesting.

And how does it become "personal"? Interactivity. Without interactivity, your presentation can become too narrow and you risk ignoring parts of your audience or not satisfying their needs. Or it becomes so wide trying to cover everything, that information of interest to any specific user can get lost or is hard to find. Or worse, you lose the user before they even get to the information.

At a minimal level, interactive links on a webpage or buttons on a CD-ROM interface can to lead the user straight to the info they require. A higher level of interactivity could allow the user to input and manipulate personal data to receive answers specific to them. The connection becomes stronger as the experience becomes more tailored to the user. Their retention increases, as does their satisfaction. And that's what it's all about.

So, when considering your next multimedia project, think about the level of interactivity I can add to it. And how much more that will connect you with your clients and their needs.