Designing and developing multimedia - Larry Elin, 2001
Allyn and Bacon ISBN: 0-205-31427-9
Managing Multimedia, Book 1 - Elaine England and Andy Finney, 2002 Addison-Wesley
ISBN: 0-201-72898-2
Managing Multimedia, Book 2 - Elaine England and Andy Finney, 2002 Addison-Wesley
ISBN: 0-201-72899-0
Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association - APA, 2001 APA ISBN: 1557987912

The learning activity centres on the production of a technically innovative multimedia product developed through original research. Your approach to this product in individually negotiated with your project supervisor and due to the ever changing nature of interactive multimedia some negotiated projects many be focused toward research while others may be focused toward the artifact.

Research Planning:
1. Develop a research plan for the project which will identify likely sources of relevant information and any existing products which form a starting point for your screen prototype.
2. Identify recent research theories in your chosen area and methods of developing these current theories.
3. Develop a plan for user testing your product at staged assessment points through the project.

Practical Investigation:
1. Assess the technical content of your project and identify the key elements for in depth development.
2. Gather and coordinate any external technical input required and test any unique multimedia features.

Participation:
1. Individual tutorials with your supervisors to ensure a coherent development of the project.
2. Group seminars with the current masters group to ensure a cross fertilization of ideas and to clearly identify objectives.
3. These meetings may be in an asynchronous as well as synchronous environment.

This module enables you to demonstrate the practical and academic studies accumulated during the course in relation to the wider industrial and social context. You will be encouraged to explore the boundaries of multimedia design and to experiment within a range of screen based delivery systems. You final artifact will be the product of a negotiated brief and will need to display an awareness of current research and technical expertise in your chosen area of study and must be supported by market research and testing. Industry projects are expected to given project a more direct focus on market needs and industrial work methods.

1. A written report (approximately 6000 words minimum) which details the broader technical and social context of the project together with relevant market research and user testing. This report includes, as appendices, the design and function specifications produced for EMIM Multimedia Design and Development. The report also includes a review of the literature associated with design and content as well as a description of the method, users, and results of user testing. There is a final section for further recommendations. [Learning Outcomes 1, 4, 5]
2. A viable screen based multimedia product which clearly displays the range of content, graphic continuity and navigation principles. [Learning Outcomes 2, 3]
3. A presentation of your work synchronously, either face to face or via digital means, where the goals and applications are clearly explained and defined. [Learning Outcome 4]

The weighting of the report and the artifact is individually negotiated between the student and the supervisor, with the report never being less than 40% of the mark nor greater than 70% of the total mark. Presentation is weighted at 10% of the total mark.

Access to digital storage, computer workshop facilities and appropriate software.