Applying multimedia to technical information

The value of multimedia is that users can receive information in the medium most appropriate to the content and its intended use. In addition to our usual store of words and graphics, we as communicators can use images, sound, animation, and video if those media are appropriate to the message and audience. For example, if motion aids what we are trying to explain, video or animation would be appropriate media to use; audio can help provide emphasis; graphics and animation can greatly help explain concepts; images can provide realism; 3-D animation can be extremely useful at illustrating hardware or procedures for hardware that does not yet exist. As a community, however, we're still working out details about the role that multimedia can and should play in technical information: When is it appropriate to use multimedia? Which media are appropriate to a given situation? Although much research has been done on media and learning, there currently exists no definitive media selection model as it applies to technical communication. It's a complex topic, but we offer some suggestions.