A multimedia project is a classic software project which is developed using multimedia technology with the specific aim of distributing information in an entertaining and compelling manner. Multimedia projects require creativity, artistic as well as programming skills. While developing the multimedia application, the professionals have to choose the hardware and software equipment and components a variety of software tools are available. Like all other projects, the multimedia project is also developed in stages.
Stages of Multimedia Application Development
Following are the basic stages of multimedia project development.
- Project conceptualization
- Planning and Costing
- Design and Production
- Testing
- Delivery
Project conceptualization:
Every project begins with a concept. A multimedia project concept is actually the definition of the project. To define the project, it is required for the development team and the clients to do the various meetings and discussions to identify the actual problem. It may be the upgradation of the existing one or the entirely new one. It must satisfy the existing requirements of the customer.
Planning and Costing:
In this stage, the analysis of the idea is done which is to be translated into a multimedia project. This idea can be further refined by outlining its messages and objectives. Before starting to develop the multimedia project, it is necessary to plan what writing skills, graphic art, music, video, and other multimedia skills will be required. It is also necessary to estimate the time needed to prepare all elements of multimedia and prepare a budget accordingly. After preparing a budget, a prototype of the concept can be developed.
Design and Production:
Once the project is taken up for development, the laborious project development cycle starts. Under this stage, the various sub-stages are to be carried out.
- Data gathering
- Navigation map structure design
- Media content design
- Interface designing
- Storyboarding
- Integration (multimedia authoring)
Testing:
In every project, the Testing stage ensures that the product to be free from bugs. Apart from bug elimination, another aspect of testing is to ensure that the multimedia application meets the objectives of the project. It is also necessary to test whether the multimedia project works properly on the planned delivery platforms and meets the needs of the clients.
Delivery:
The final stage of the multimedia application development is to pack the project and deliver the complete project to the end-user. This stage has several steps such as:
- Implementation,
- Maintenance,
- Shipping and marketing
