Wednesday 25 February 2009

the 'alpha' phase - initial design features

(I think that's what they call it anyway) - Jim Ready and I talked through the features of the Genarrator writing platform which we feel we can develop in the first cycle of design and testing, given time and resources. Below are the key features that Jim will build:

For the Writer:
Text entry (in movable/shapeable boxes)
Image import/insert (in boxes)
Video import/insert; video control insert (for end user)
Sound import/ insert - with control for the user (maybe able to be triggered by mouse rollover, or maybe via control bar)
Front-back ordering of element boxes
Hyperlinking from/to page or media element or text element
Site map generation to keep track of and display links (e.g. as Dreamweaver)
menu/timeline/site position view - to be adjustable and placeable on page, by writer
Font choice
Font colour choice

For the end-reader/user:
Site overview always on view
Page/chapter menu on view
Bookmark facility (i.e. where am I now? Where have I already been?)
Backtrack facility (non-linear, i.e not just browser function, but in any direction and able to jump steps)
Clear 'home' page

Looking forward to seeing Jim's designs.