INTERACTIVE MULTIMEDIA - CREATIVE CATALYST OR CONSTRAINT

Interactive multimedia represent a new and unique medium of communicat ion. Through enabling computer technologies, a diversity of media can be brought together with which the user can actively interact. Designe rs of this medium are involved in creating multidimensional spaces tha t can communicate on a variety of conceptual levels, via a variety of senses, through a variety of media. Consequently the potential opportu nities for designer creativity relating to the conceptual, visual and functional design are immense. The issue is that of whether the comput er acts as a catalyst in exploiting such creative possibilities, or as a constraint. Evidence of both impacts is presented.