Journal Article Summary On:
Multimedia, Web Development and Methodology: Techniques and Usage
Date: 05/07/90
Mridusmita Borah
mridusmita.borah@gmail.com
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Title: A Survey of Multimedia and Web Development Techniques and Methodology Usage

Reference: Barry, C. & Lang, M. (2001, April-June). Survey of multimedia and web development techniques and methodology usage, IEEE - Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, 8 (2), 52-60. Retrieved April 11, 2009, from http://www2.computer.org/portal/web/csdl/doi/10.1109/93.917971

Problem: Until recently, multimedia based (including Web-based) information systems were simple, stand-alone applications like electronic brochures. The authors assumes that, with the integration of Web-based systems with organizational activities as customer support, sales, marketing, distribution and technical support, the Web system developers will encounter development issues as conventional and multimedia systems development and this presents a serious challenge for the development skills of information systems professionals. The authors’ wants to explore as to how exactly multimedia and Web-based applications are being developed.

Context: Two studies were conducted — i) that examined the top 1,000 Irish companies in general industry and ii) that looked at the principal 100 Irish companies in the multimedia industry. The dates of the study are not mentioned in the article. The main research objective was to identify the current practice of multimedia software development methods in Ireland. Questionnaires (similar) were sent to both the industries to examine systems development environments; multimedia development practices; technique, methodology, and tool use; and the respondents’ future development plans. The results were analyzed using basic descriptive statistics and some cross-tabulations.

Findings: There was a 10 percent response rate (number of respondents are 98) from general industry and a 15 percent response rate (number of respondents are 15) from the multimedia industry.

Statistical analysis about the type of methodologies companies used for general information systems development revealed that one-quarter people (24.6 percent of 65 respondents who answered this question from general industry) don’t use any methodology. Of 15 respondents of the multimedia industry, 9 said they deliver their multimedia content over Web sites. It was found, the general approach toward multimedia development and specific methodology respondents use a multiplicity of approaches and they don’t agree on a common multimedia development approach. These responses match with the authors’ assumptions that Web system developers encounter development issues as conventional and multimedia systems development is a serious challenge for the development skills of information systems professionals.

Recommendations: I harmonize with the author that the following should be considered and noted to make “Multimedia and Web Development Techniques and Methodology Usage” more convenient and usable:

1. Researchers need to relook at multimedia application development within the organizational context in which the relatively new technologies will have to work and coexist with extant human activities and information systems.
2. User-centered approaches must be developed that translate needs into system representations.
3. Modeling techniques that aid in requirements representation and communication will be an essential part of the multimedia and Web developer’s tool set in the future.

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