What is interactive media?
Interactive media is any medium that you can alter to suit your tastes, so rather than viewing or listening to something passively, you can change size, color, direction, or sound volume. You can also click, drag, hide, replay, or enlarge. These types of media include Web sites, DVDs, MP3s, the Internet, and CDs. Vinyl records, it could be argued, were the forerunners of interactive media. Video is now old-fashioned, but it was one of the first generation of interactive visual media offering users the power to determine which pieces of footage they watched. Interactive media design is about how these media work and interact.
Interactive media design programs
There are a number of different programs available to suit every type of budget and academic goal. Some certificates can be completed in as little as nine months. As well as certificates, you could study for a bachelor's or associate's degree. Typical programs on offer include digital media communications, interactive media, Web design, and multimedia technologies.
Subjects to study
Interactive media design draws on a number of different disciplines. Creative subjects such as art, technical drawing, and sculpture would be useful as well as being computer literate. A design-related class would also offer some advantages. Even if you do not have a specific school qualification, a strong interest and demonstrable experience in an area such as photography or Web site design could be extremely useful.
Since interactive media draws on so many different areas, you might cover audio, coding, design, layout, information architecture, video graphics, interactivity, digital video and audio, and Web technology. You will likely need to become conversant with several different types software and coding in order to do this. Toward the end of your multimedia design program, you will draw on all of your knowledge and skills and experiment with combining these different types of media to produce multimedia environments like night clubs, exhibitions, rock concerts, or educational facilities.
Available entry level jobs
Most junior roles will involve helping more senior colleagues on small parts of larger projects. You may find work in electronic publishing, television, music promotion, broadcasting, and performance arts. As time goes on and your experience develops, you might be given larger projects rising up to supervising a team.
Where can I get more information on interactive media design?
This Web site can direct you straight to colleges offering programs in interactive media design for more details, so take a closer look to see what your future holds.
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