Multimedia

Year 11 Industrial Technology

Multimedia
The Industrial Technology Ecology
Tools

Industry
Techniques
Study

Materials
The Industrial Technology Ecology
Tools

Industry
Techniques
Study

Materials refers to the raw stuff

we use to make a project, and
Materials
together with the industry study
forms the basis for most of our
theory.
The Industrial Technology Ecology
Tools refer to the things we use
Tools
to manipulate materials when
we create a project.

In Multimedia, tools include

Industry
Techniques
hardware (cameras, graphics
Study tablets, etc) and software
(programs like Photoshop or
Blender)

Materials
The Industrial Technology Ecology
Tools

Techniques refer to the skills we

use when making a project. They
can include production skills
Industry
Techniques (such as filming or photography)
Study
as well as post-production skills
(editing film or
photomanipulation)

Materials
The Industrial Technology Ecology
Tools
The industry study is a study of
how the industry functions, and
its relationship to its businesses,
workers, and society.
Industry
Techniques
Study

Materials
Materials: Complete the Pattern

Subject Makes Projects Out Of:

Industrial Technology: Timber Timber

Industrial Technology: Metals Metal

Industrial Technology: Multimedia ???

Data
Data is simply information stored somewhere
In a computing system, data is information
stored using binary code.
Binary is a combination of 0s and 1s that,
when combined, can be interpreted into
many different things.
A single element of binary (either a 0 or a 1) is
called a bit (short for binary digit).
8 bits form a byte of information. This is the
smallest number of bits required to encode a
single character of text, and now forms the
smallest unit of memory storage on a
computer.
 1 Petabyte
(PB) • 1024 Terabytes

File Size 1 Terabyte

• 1024 Gigabytes
(TB)
Just like the metric system,
we use multipliers to describe • 1024
1 Gigabyte
very large numbers of bytes. (GB) Megabytes
Storage is measured using a
base 8 number system, 1
however, where metric is Megabyte • 1024 Kilobytes
(MB)
base 10.
This means that we use 1024 1 Kilobyte
• 1024 Bytes
as our multiplier number, (KB)
rather than 1000.
1 Byte (B) • 8 bits (b)
Files and Folders
When talking about computer
systems, data is stored into files.
The name for a file follows the
following syntax: Some Common Extensions
Extension File type
[Link]
.jpg JPEG photo
The file name is set by the user .mp4 MPEG film +
The extension is typically a 3 letter audio
code, which describes the type .rtf Formatted text
of file being stored.
A folder is a collection of files. .pdf PDF document
.png PNG image
Compression
Most multimedia files (especially film, animation and sound) can
be very large, which puts strain on a computer’s RAM and ROM.
Compression is a collection of techniques used to reduce file size.
The compression ratio describes the relationship between the
original file size and the compressed file size.
Lossless compression reorganises data into a more efficient
package. It has low compression ratios, but maintains quality.
Lossy compression attempts to remove less necessary data. It has
high compression ratios, but removes data (and therefore reduces
quality)
The program that controls the compression and decompression
of a file is called a CODEC
Media Production Terminology
Authoring is the process of combining multiple media elements together into a
single presentation.
This generally involves multiple steps, with different software working of different
types of data.
Importing involves bringing data into an authoring tool for editing or compositing
Exporting converts data from editing data into a form readable by another piece of
software.
Editing is the process of manipulating a piece of data to change its form.
Compositing is a process of combining elements together, usually using layers.
Interactive authoring allows the user to have some control over the presentation
Card based presentations act like pages with information. The user controls when the cards
change (like a PowerPoint presentation)
Event based presentations use scripts to react to actions taken by the user (like games)
Time-based presentations automatically progress with the passage of time (like films), with
the user having the option to change timing.
 Multimedia?

Multiple Media?

Media?
How do we communicate?
Basic Communication Model
Linear Media
Hierarchical Media
Non-Linear Media
Media Types

Text Image Film

Animatio
Sound
n
Text
Text is data stored as characters. In
it’s simplest form, one character =
1 byte.
Typography is the art of designing
the appearance of text, using
fonts, formatting options,
decorations, and colours.
The key goal for typographic
design is readability.
File Types
DOCX
PDF
TXT
Graphics
Graphics are still images, and are
separated into two types:
Bitmapped graphics are stored in
arrays of pixels.
Vector graphics are stored as
shapes.
Bitmapped Vector
JPG
AI
PNG
SVG
TIFF
Bitmapped vs Vector
Bitmapped Vector
High detail (photographic)
Resolution independent
Easy to create
Benefits Easy to edit individual parts
Large colour range
Small file size
Easier to edit whole image
Limited detail/colour
Resolution limited
Limitations (illustration)
Large file size
Requires skill to create
Film
Film is a time-based media type, which
means that it changes over time.
Film data is stored in a container, which
includes:
A sequence of still images (frames)
Audio
A program to control compression and
decompression (CODEC)
Film works by playing each frame for a
very short period of time, tricking the eye
into believing the image is moving (this is File Types CODEC
called the illusion of movement)
MP4 H.264
The rate at which film changes is called MOV DIVX
the frame rate, and is measured in frames
AVI XVID
per second (fps).
Animation
Animation is extremely similar to
film, with the exception that it
refers to stored motion, rather
than a sequence of still frames.
This means that it can be Animation Methods
rendered into any frame rate. Stop Motion
Cel
Once rendered, animation is no Keyframed
longer stored movement – it is Motion Capture
therefore the film media type.
Sound
Sound is the only non-visual digital
media type.
Sound can be recorded, in which
case it is stored as a digitised sound
wave.
This is done using a process called
sampling, which records the volume
of sound repeatedly (usually tens of File Types
thousands of times per second) MP3
MIDI sound refers to sound that is MIDI
created digitally, and is stored as a WAV
sequence of notes that is played
through a digital instrument.
Multimedia
Computing
Systems
Preliminary Industrial Technology
Multimedia
 DISCUSSION
What is the most important component in a computing system?
Basic Computing System Overview
 Computing Components

Component Purpose Example

CPU Manipulating data Intel i7

RAM Storing files being used for editing DDR4

ROM Long term file storage HDD, SSD, NvME

GPU Converting data into visual display Nvidia RTX4090

Managing data flow between above

Motherboard ATX, Micro ATX, Mini ITX
components
Impact on Media Production
Processing Speed

The clock speed of a CPU determines how many instructions it can change per
second.

CPUs with multiple cores can multitask – performing more than 1 instruction at
the same time.

Combined, these two measurements For example, when applying an effect over
account for how long it takes for the multiple frames of video, a faster CPU will
complete the task in less time.
system to complete complex tasks.
Impact on Media Production
RAM
• The amount of RAM in a system determines the total
amount of files that can be worked on at a time. If this
is exceeded, ROM can be used as working memory
but this will result in significant system lag.

• RAM also has a clock speed, that determines how

quickly data can be sent to the CPU. This acts as a
limiter to CPU clock speed.

• More RAM allows you to work on larger files, making

it highly important for video and animation in
particular.
Impact on Media Production
Graphics Cards

Modern graphics GPUs are also very A GPU with more In recent times, many
cards contain both a efficient at working VRAM and clock visual effects have
CPU and RAM, which with 3D data. speed enables larger, started preferencing
are dedicated to the more complex 3D GPU usage over CPU
task of converting scenes and faster usage, making this a
binary into images to rendering. central component of
be displayed. a media production
PC.
Impact on Media Production
Motherboard

The main measurement of a motherboard is its bus speed, which

measures how fast data can be transferred between components. This
acts as a limiter to other components.

The slots available on a motherboard is also important, as it determines

what components can be attached to it.

High end motherboards also contain on-board cooling, which makes

system cooling significantly more efficient.
Impact on Media Production
Storage

• Storage devices allow more/larger files to be

stored.

• Access speed determines how quickly

save/open operations can be completed.

• The modern industry tends to favour cloud

storage, as this enables convenient access
and collaboration, and automated data security
measures like backups. The downside is that
cloud storage tends to be slower for larger
files.
Media Production Hardware
Year 12 Industrial Technology Multimedia
 Discussion
If you could invent something to make
it easier to produce a form of media,
what would it be?
 Input

• Used for creating a new piece of

media
Processing
Computer
Hardware • Used to edit or manipulate media

Output

• Used to convert media into a form

accessible and available to
consumers
Input
Devices
 • Cameras capture light and colour through a lens, and convert that data into
bit-mapped graphics.
• Cameras perform this task using an image sensor. Images sensors can be
Cameras either CCD devices or CMOS devices.
• In both cases, the device has individual sensors for each pixel in the
image. The sensor records the light level and light colour per pixel,
converting it into a digital recording.
• A Lens is a piece of glass used to focus light onto the sensor.
Sensor Size
• The size of a sensor determines
how well it captures light.
• Larger sensors capture more light
data, and therefore perform better
in different light situations.
• Smaller sensors will also crop
down the image that is recorded,
limiting field of view compared to
the image through the lens.
Exposure
• In order to accurately capture an image, the
camera needs to be adjusted to allow the right
amount of light into the lens. There are 3
settings that allow this:
• The Sensitivity (or ISO) determines how
sensitive the sensor is to light changes
• The Aperture determines how much light
is allowed through the lens
• The Shutter Speed determines how long
the sensor is exposed to light.
 • Dynamic range is a measurement of how different the
light can be from the ideal setting before the sensor will
Dynamic lose data
Range • If there is too much light, the sensor will record white
– this is called Bright Clipping
• If there is too little light, the sensor will record black –
this is called Dark Clipping
 Tablets

Tablets are pointer devices Unlike a mouse, tablets use Tablets are capable of
like a mouse – they control a pen. This enables much detecting pressure input,
cursor actions on the screen. more natural control when allowing different inputs
performing tasks like depending on how hard the
drawing, painting or pen is pressed.
sculpting.
 Scanners
• Scanners operate in a similar way to cameras –
they use a sensor to detect light levels on a
document.
• Instead of using natural light, however, scanners
contain their own light source. This means that
the light environment is controlled, allowing for a
scanned document to look like it was made in a
computer.
• This also allows for great precision, enough to
detect letters and convert them into editable text.
This process is called Optical Character
Recognition (OCR).
• In industry, scanners are also used to digitise
analogue film negatives (either for photography
or film).
Microphones

• Microphones convert air pressure Output

variations (sound waves) into digital Voltage
signals which can be sampled and
turned into digital audio.
• They do this using a diaphragm – a
thin, flexible layer that catches the
sound waves and moves. This is Input Current
connected to a sensor, which
converts the movements into Diaphrag
electrical currents. m
Processing
Devices
 Editing
Workstation
s
• These are used in film editing and live
production.
• They provide inputs that are directly tied
to the tasks of editing film, switching AV
inputs, and colour correction.
• They enable the composition of multiple
AV inputs into a single output.
• They make these tasks significantly
faster for a trained user compared to a
keyboard and mouse.
• They also utilise ergonomic design
principles, making them less likely to
cause RSI.
 Stream
Desks/AV
Switchers
• Stream desks are a type of film
editing desk designed
specifically for live streaming or
live production.
• They include the ability to edit
multiple AV inputs into a single
output, along with commonly
used effects such as a colour
grade.
• They typically also contain
some networking ability,
allowing them to connect
directly to a live stream.
Mixing Desks

• Similar to film editing

desks, a mixing desk
enables the live editing
and composition of
multiple audio inputs into a
single output.
• They often also include
built in audio effects, such
as filters and equalizers.
Output Devices
 Printers and Paper
Printers use
various • The most common technology used is laser
printing, which uses lasers to fuse toner (very
technologies to fine coloured dust) to paper.
produce a • Inkjet printers are used in photography printing,
physical copy of a as they can produce more vivid colours.
digital image.

• Standard paper sizes include A4, A3, A2, where

every increase in size doubles the size of paper.
Paper for printing • Photo paper comes in photography sizes (6x8in,
10x12in)
comes in many • Paper comes in different weights, measured in
forms and sizes GSM (grams per square metre). The most
common is 80gsm for standard paper, going up
to 250gsm for heavy cardstock.
 • These are warehouses where servers are used to speed
up 3D rendering.
• They do this by splitting each image up into smaller parts,
Render Farms and giving each computer one part to render.
• The main server then stitches the image back together.
• These are typically very expensive to run, and there are
companies who specialise in running render farms that
animation companies rent.
DAC
• Stands for Digital to Analogue
Converter
• Used to convert electrical signals into
an audio signal that can drive a
speaker
• In modern times, this is typically built
into computer equipment, however,
specialist DACs are used to handle
very high quality audio, or for larger
speaker/amplifier setups.
• Often have a simple mixer built into
them.
MULTIMEDIA
DESIGN
PRINCIPLES
MULTIMEDIA DESIGN PROJECT
Design Factors Factors used to Factors that
Judge Design Influence Design
These factors are used These factors are
When talking about design,
to judge the quality of considered during the
there are various factors that a design after it has initial stages of the
impact the design process at been completed. design process when
several points setting the parameters
of the design.
Judging Design

When judging the final These factors are subjective,

quality of a designed and therefore context is
product, several factors are important.
Aesthetics
used: refers to the overall look For example, you might think that a
and feel of the product product’s aesthetics are bad – but
Function refers to how well the maybe it was designed for someone
product can complete its intended task who prefers that aesthetic, or maybe
the designer placed more importance
Appropriateness refers to the on function.
relationship between the product and
it’s audience
Judging Design
Discussion
There are 3 factors commonly used
to judge design:
• Aesthetics
• Function
• Appropriateness

Which of these do you think is the

most important, and why?
 Factors Influencing Design
These factors are things that designers consider when developing their designs. They have impact on the
final form that the designs take, and through that can impact the final product itself.

Economics Environment Manufacturin Sustainability Decoration

g Techniques
This is how the This factor is The tools and This factor is This factor
cost of producing concerned with expertise available concerned with considers the
a product the impact of on a team can the lifespan of a impacts and
influences its environmental impact what product in the importance of
design factors on techniques are market. aesthetic,
production available for the non-functional
production of a elements in the
design product
Factors Influencing
Design
Get into 5 groups. Your group will be
given one of the factors that influence
design:

• Economics
• Environment
• Manufacturing Techniques
• Sustainability
• Decoration

For your assigned factor, you need to

discuss how that factor would
impact design in multimedia
products and find an example to
share with the class.
Multimedia Design
Techniques: Composition
◼ Composition refers to the
combination of multiple elements
to create a single message.
◼ Effective composition uses
various techniques to create
emphasis, which enables the artist
to draw the viewers eye through
their work.
◼ More complex compositions utilise
multiple layers of emphasis to
engage viewers.
 Visual Vectors
◼ When artists put an image
together, they usually
consider how the eyes of
the viewer will move
around the image.
◼ The lines along which
eyes travel are called
visual vectors.
◼ Vectors are typically made
by manipulating levels of
emphasis to draw the eye
around an image.
 ◼ The Gutenberg Diagram is a design tool that uses a viewer's
familiarity with reading. As we read left to right, top to bottom, our
Composition Tools: eyes are used to approaching a page starting at the top left. This
creates a phenomenon called “reading gravity”.
Gutenberg Diagram
◼ The diagram shows us where to place certain elements for
greatest effect.
Composition Tools:
Rule Of Thirds
◼ The rule of thirds is a
compositional guideline
created to make images more
interesting to look at. It states
that placing objects in the
middle of an image leads to
boring images.
◼ To create more interest in the
image, the frame is divided
into thirds horizontally and
vertically. Placing elements on
a third line creates visual
tension and interest. Placing
objects where third lines
intersect increases this effect.
COMPOSITION TECHNIQUES: PROPORTION
◼ Proportion refers to the relative sizes of
elements in a composition.
◼ Proportion creates emphasis through size –
larger objects are emphasised over smaller
ones.
◼ By manipulating sizes of nearby objects, visual
vectors can be created.

What story is being told using proportions in

this image?
Composition Techniques: Balance
◼ Similar to Proportion, Balance uses the relationships
between elements to create emphasis.
◼ Balance is concerned with the relative visual weight of
elements in the frame. While weight is most easily
created using proportions, it can also be created using
other techniques such as element density.
◼ There are 2 types of balance – static and dynamic.
◼ If the balance point of an image is in the centre, it uses static
balance. This creates an impression of stability.
◼ If the balance point is away from the centre, the image uses
dynamic balance. This creates feelings of motion and change.
Composition
Techniques:
Contrast
◼ Contrast refers to the
relative difference between
elements. It is most
commonly shown through
difference in colour levels.
◼ Contrast creates emphasis
in areas where light and
dark collide.
◼ Contrast is a very common
technique to make small
elements (particularly text)
more visible in a
composition.
 ◼ Human brains are trained to respond to colour at an instinctive
Colour Theory level. This makes use of colour an extremely powerful design tool.
◼ Colour can be used to create mood, ambience and character in any
form of visual media.
COLOUR THEORY Primary colours are colours that form the basis of all other colours. Secondary and
tertiary colours are formed by combining primary colours together.
BASICS

Additive colour models combine different coloured light to form colours.

They are used when light comes directly

from the source to the eye, which is When all primary colours are combined
typically in a digital environment using a in even amounts, white is produced.
screen.

Subtractive colour models use light absorption to remove colour frequencies from
light, and therefore require light to bounce from an object in between the source
and the eye.
This typically happens in real-world When all primary colours are combined
settings. in even amounts, black is the result.
Colour Models

Colour models allow us to quantify Common colour models include:

colours into their component parts.
RGB: Additive colour model
separating out the Red, Green and
o Blue levels. Typically used for screen
u rati colours.
S at
CMYK: Subtractive colour model
e
Hu n Valu
e
separating out the Cyan, Magenta,
Yellow and Black levels. Typically
used for printers.
HSV: Combined colour model
attempting to balance out additive
 W
Co arm
Primary lou
Colours rs
Colour Wheel

◼ A colour wheel is a tool that

Co mary
Pri
shows the relationships

l o
between all colours, and is

urs
invaluable for any design

Pr lours
ary
process involving colour.

m
Co
rs

i
lo u
o
C ol
Co
 Colour Harmony
Uses 3 adjacent colours on
Analogou the colour wheel. Results in a
s
harmonious feel, with lots of
blurring.
Uses colours opposite each
Comple other on the colour wheel.
mentary
Creates strong contrast.

Uses colours evenly spaced

Triadic around the colour wheel.
Creates vibrancy and some
contrast.
Like complementary, but
Split-Co
mpleme uses the analogues of one
ntary colour. Slightly reduces
contrast while maintaining a
bold look.
Uses 2 sets of
Tetradic complementary colours for a
bold, vibrant look. Generally
requires one colour to be
dominant to avoid
overpowering and imbalance.
Combining Colours

◼ When designing a colour

palette, you need to consider
the relationships between
different colours.
◼ This will set the overall mood
of your work – it is worth
putting time in to consider it
properly.