Multimedia Developer
Fact Sheet
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Maintaining Internet content |
Multimedia developers generate and manipulate graphic images, animations, sound, text and video into consolidated and seamless multimedia programs.
Multimedia applications include computer-based interactive training, data presentation and information kiosks, CD-ROMs, entertainment and educational products, and multimedia presentations.
Duties and Tasks
Multimedia developers may perform the following tasks:
- talk with clients to understand what is required
- investigate, analyse and recommend appropriate equipment and software to achieve client objectives
- prepare flow diagrams and storyboards to outline product concepts
- prepare code to produce the multimedia product
- prepare digital graphics, animations, sound, video, photographs and images for editing
- prepare design concepts
- talk with related graphics, production and engineering experts
- manage the development and implementation of multimedia products.
Specialisations
An instructional designer designs and develops educational products, learning support resources and delivery/assessment tools. Instructional designers increasingly use the flexibility offered by multimedia applications to target specific learning objectives and audiences.
An author-based programmer applies appropriate multimedia authoring technologies to conceptualise, design, assemble and integrate a variety of images, text, animation and/or sound before selecting and applying the desired program structure to produce a multimedia end product. This may involve writing scripts, using namespaces and packages, and writing extensions. This process is sometimes described as 'authoring a multimedia sequence'.
A computer-based graphic designer uses computing technology and specialist software packages to manage the production, interface and integration of various graphics and other media into the multimedia package design. This includes the design of art and copy layouts for CD-ROM and multimedia products. It is possible to further specialise and focus on specific industry sectors such as advertising, corporate design, internet applications or exhibition design.
A digital video-sound editor is involved in the computer-based editing of video-sound for multimedia products. Working under the instruction of directors, editors make decisions with regard to the mood, pace and climax of sound effects. This involves working closely with other professional staff to analyse, evaluate and select sound effects for integration with images and other mediums.
Quick Facts
School subjects that include some aspect of ART provide a useful background to these jobs. In some cases an art-related subject is a pre-requisite for entry to courses that provide the training for the job.
School subjects that include some aspect of COMPUTING STUDIES provide a useful background to these jobs. In some cases a computer studies-related subject is a pre-requisite for entry to courses that provide the training for the job.
These jobs require you to be able to see clearly to examine items close-up. It covers jobs where poor vision e.g. tunnel vision, could make the work place unsafe or the job difficult to undertake, e.g. draftsperson working with detailed drawings; checkout operator reading dockets; work requiring good hand-eye co-ordination for working with precision or semi-precision tools.
Workers performing these jobs would usually be expected to spend more than three-quarters of their day indoors, in an office, factory or other enclosed area protected from the weather.
These jobs require moderate or better reading and writing skills. Workers may be expected to prepare, understand or act on written materials, such as letters or reports. People may wish to avoid these jobs if their reading or writing English skills are limited to a small range of words or phrases and symbols. Jobs remaining may still require very basic reading or writing skills.
The main duties and tasks involved in these jobs are usually performed sitting down at a desk, counter, workbench or other location for periods of at least two hours at a stretch.
Included are jobs involved in the design, programming, support, delivery and maintenance of computerised and other information systems.
These jobs involve WORKING WITH IDEAS, to creatively express, present or perform them. An appreciation of design, style, form, beauty or related concepts used to develop or interpret an idea are important. Activities include writing, painting, singing, dancing, decorating, designing and performing.
These jobs involve WORKING WITH PEOPLE, to help, inform, teach or treat them. Activities include discussing personal issues, listening to people's problems, and providing advice, instruction, information or treatment to meet their needs.
These jobs involve WORKING WITH THINGS, using the hands, or special tools or equipment to make, fix, install or adjust them. Activities include doing practical and physical tasks, and may require an understanding of how equipment or machinery works.
Jobs in this group usually require completion of secondary education and/or completion of some further study of a vocational nature, such as a Diploma or an Advanced Diploma.
Jobs in this group usually require completion of a recognised Bachelor Degree, or extensive relevant experience. Some jobs also require post-graduate study, such as a Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma or Master Degree.
Personal Requirements
- aptitude for computing and design
- creative, with artistic flair
- ability to both lead and follow instructions
- strong client focus
- commitment to understanding and using new technology
- ability to meet deadlines
- understanding of colour and form
- patient and attentive to detail.
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