Paradigmatic analysis as a means of eliciting knowledge to assist multimedia methodological development
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Paradigmatic analysis as a means of eliciting knowledge to assist multimedia methodological development S Gallagher and B Webb Management and Information Systems Division, Queens School of Management and Economics, Queens University of Belfast, Belfast, Co. Antrim, N. Ireland, BT7 1NN We have identified two paradigms in multimedia systems design based on the software engineering and graphic design approaches. Our aim is to better inform methodological development in the field. We argue that unless and until the underlying paradigm of each community is understood, attempts to develop specific multimedia methods will be sub-optimal. ‘Paradigm’ is defined in the Kuhnian sense of a ‘disciplinary matrix’ that is composed of those shared beliefs and values that guide a ‘community’ of theorists and practitioners. This paper is based on analyses of several textbooks from both disciplines and also on interviews with software engineers and graphic designers who are actively engaged in the development of digital interactive multimedia (DIM). The results indicate that (a) Kuhn’s concept of paradigm is a useful mechanism through which to examine the knowledge and approaches of these two design disciplines visa`-vis multimedia development; and (b) that the resulting paradigms provide a useful framework from which to inform methodological development within the multimedia field. The paper concludes with a discussion of how the paradigms can assist theorists and practitioners in developing a framework for method evaluation and integration in multimedia.
Introduction Previous research suggests that it is possible to identify at least two distinct approaches to multimedia systems development (Gallagher & Webb, 1997). The software engineering approach is encapsulated, to varying degrees, in a number of hypermedia models and approaches (Dospisil & Polgar, 1994; Halasz & Schwartz, 1994; Hardman et al, 1994; Garzotto et al, 1995; Gingie et al, 1995; Schwabe & Rossi, 1995; Fedchak & Duvall, 1996; Lux, 1996; Mere & Rossi, 1996). This is a structured design approach that separates information structure and behaviour (which together constitute the systems kernel) from presentation, effectively relegating graphic design to a subordinate role. In contrast, the graphic design approach, based on commercial multimedia product development, begins and ends with a consideration of presentation, emphasising the importance of interface and user input (Patterson, 1992; Cotton & Oliver, 1993; Kuo, 1993; Heller & Rivers, 1996; Koumpis et al, 1996). Multimedia development, by definition, is an interdisciplinary activity. This is an issue on which many agree (Neophytou et al, 1995; Streitz, 1995a; Molina, 1996; Mallon, 1998; Powell, 1998). The interdisciplinary nature of the field is, paradoxically, both its strength and its weakness. The strength of interdisciplinary collaboration is evident—a group of professionals who are specialists in their
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