ANIMATION CAN BE UTILIZED IN MANY DIFFERENT WAYS TO ENHANCE A MULTIMEDIA INTERFACE. Animation can be easily created using software programs such as Macromedia Director, Macromedia Flash or any of several GIF animation programs. Animation can be used to create special effects, show moving text, introduce information and draw attention. When adding animation to an interface be careful not to distract or draw attention away from the message that you are trying to convey. The majority of animation can be broken out into four categories: elements that change, elements that move, elements that appear or disappear and transitions.

This type of animation is helpful for introducing new information, different elements or topics over time.

This example illustrates one way in which topics can be introduced.

Making images appear or disappear can also be used to suggest a possible viewing sequence to the user.

This type of animation can help to support narration (with either text or images), emphasize content or to just entertain.

The example shows how through the use of animation you can make it appear as if the balloons are floating up to the sky.

Creating elements that change can easily be accomplished by using an authoring tool to link or create images and display them in a set sequence.

Notice in the example how his head tilts back and text comes up.

This example shows how animation can be used to gain someones attention.

Of the different types of animation, transitions are the most common form of movement that is found.

Transitions are one of the easiest ways to help a presentation flow and to liven up a presentation (Kristof & Satran, 1995).

Animation can liven up any mulitmedia inteface. It can be used to enhance, entice, direct, and help the flow of the interface or presentation. It is important to use animation wisely and not let it distract the user from the intended information.

Colleen Farrell