MULTIMEDIA USER INTERFACES FOR TELECOMMUNICATIONS PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

The emergence of multimedia systems, which incorporate media types suc h as text, graphics, audio, video, and animation, has great potential to change how people interact with systems and with each other. As mul timedia technologies and their applications in telecommunications prod ucts and services evolve, some critical human factors challenges in de signing these systems are emerging. This paper describes how the use o f new multimedia technologies, complemented by the proper application of human factors design principles, can enhance the usability of AT&T products and services. Examples of three types of applications - multi media-based training, multimedia-based performance support, and multim edia conferencing - highlight challenges specific to the design of mul timedia user interfaces.