By using multiple media approaches we were able to create a project that was interactive and educational. One of the many approaches we used was cross platforming. We provided a link to an Instagram account which sheds more light on the concept of our project, hopefully giving individuals a better understanding on what Dissociative Identity Disorder is all about. The link is provided at the end of our project making it easily accessible for audiences to view. Our project also encompasses the notion of Modularity. The characteristic of Modularity is used within our project as we had to create a variety of separate videos that were then assembled to form one large scale project, titled ‘Living In Fragments’. ‘Living in Fragments’ is a project designed to showcase the multiple perspectives of a person suffering from Dissociative Identity Disorder. Our project therefore shears the characteristic of a multi linear sequence as each process of the narrative has a different structure and storyline. The last characteristic we used to make up our final version of our project is Automation. We specifically programed our project on EKO to give audiences the opportunity to pick their own path and narration of the story. After each clip previewed EKO is programed to give audiences specific questions to chose from which allow for interaction and creates a different experience for each individual. Without these four characteristics we would not be able to create an interactive storyline.
EKO is a web based program that has changed the perception and idea of short linear films. It allows interaction and gives audience’s the chance to view multiple perspectives of different storylines. It can be opened primarily on the web which can be accessed through phones, tablets and laptops. It can be said that a majority of individuals today spend a majority of there time on their mobile phones using the online web therefore establishing the existence of EKO. I would consider our project to be specially web based as we have used the interactive site EKO to assemble and form our project. The many characteristics used such as cross platforming and Automation also make it web specific as these media forms can only be created through online sources. Through this I have learnt that there are many possibilities and characteristics made available to create an online large scale project.
One of the questions raised at the beginning of the semester was ‘How can we make engaging online content.’ After completing multiple projects focusing on online content I have come to the realization that online content can be engaging when consumer and creator interaction is involved. Giving audience’s a voice and a chance to be apart of a project can instantly capture their attention. I have also learnt that simplicity and an interesting concept can also make engaging content. Not overcomplicating and focusing on key elements such as sound effects, camera angles and an appealing storyline can engage viewers instantly in what’s being presented. Promoting the project through online sources such as Instagram and Facebook can create hype and engage audiences in what’s to come. The duration of the project is also important as many individuals have short attention spans. Creating a project that is short in length can keep individuals engaged in the project and left wanting more. Another question that was raised in the beginning of the semester was ‘How is the production for a smaller scale project different from traditional media?’ After completing this recent project, I have released that the production of a smaller scale project specifically on online sources is different from traditional media as there are a number of online characteristics involved in order to build the project. Traditional media is less complex as the storyline is made linear and everything is assembled to make sense and flow together with no consumer and creator interaction. Smaller scale projects made online focus more on interactivity and viewers participation, videos are normally made up into parts and are assembled in a non linear way. Videos are also designed to be short and allow audiences to cross platform to other sites due to there short attention span’s.
Creating a platform that gives people the freedom of choice as well as educating viewers about the disorder (dissociative identity disorder) through online interactivity is what I want to get of this project however the question remains if audiences can really be educated through online interactivity. In order to find out my group and I have created a questioner for audience members to fill out. This was done at the media presents work shop. We came to the conclusion that most people enjoyed interacting with the project and found it easier to understand the concept.
The media presents presentations were a good opportunity to view a variety of online content that featured creativity and showcased the many possibilities of online spaces. It opened my eyes to a new way of creating and sharing media through online sources. I have learnt a lot throughout this semester and I plan to continue to grow my skills and make many more online projects.