Formalised approaches for multimedia design-are they used by Australian designers?

The paper describes a study which investigates the extent to which multimedia developers apply formal design approaches when creating educational multimedia titles. For the purpose of this study a formalised design approach is defined as one which is documented and repeatable. The findings of this study suggest extreme diversity in the approaches used to design educational multimedia, and a low level of use of any formal methodologies. This can be attributed to a general lack of understanding of formalised design approaches and a reluctance among developers to create design methodologies due to the resource investment required and a concern that use of methodologies could inhibit creativity.