Multimedia Authoring Systems FAQ Version 1.3.2

An Authoring System is a program which has pre-programmed elements for the development of interactive multimedia. Authoring systems vary widely in orientation, capabilities, and learning curve. There is no such thing (at this time) as a completely point-and-click automated authoring system; some knowledge of heuristic thinking and algorithm design is necessary. Whether you realize it or not, authoring is actually just a speeded-up form of programming; you don't need to know the intricacies of a programming language, or worse, an API, but you do need to understand how programs work.

2. Why would anyone want to use an authoring system?

It generally takes about 1/8th the time to develop an interactive multimedia project, such as a CBT program, in an authoring system as opposed to programming it in compiled code. This means 1/8 the cost of programmer time and likely increased re-use of code (assuming that you pass this project's code to the next CBT project, and they use a similar or identical authoring system). However, the content creation (graphics, text, video, audio, animation, etc.) is not generally affected by the choice of an authoring system; any production time gains here result from accelerated prototyping, not from the choice of an authoring system over a compiled language.

3. What is an authoring paradigm?

Also known as the authoring metaphor, this is the methodology by which the authoring system accomplishes its task. There are various paradigms, including:

4. What is the Scripting paradigm?

The Scripting paradigm is the authoring method closest in form to traditional programming. The paradigm is that of a programming language, which specifies (by filename) multimedia elements, sequencing, hotspots, synchronization, etc. A powerful, object-oriented scripting language is usually the centerpiece of such a system; in-program editing of elements (still graphics, video, audio, etc.) tends to be minimal or non-existent. Scripting languages do vary; check out how much the language is object-based or object-oriented. The scripting paradigm tends to be longer in development time (it takes longer to code an individual interaction), but generally more powerful interactivity is possible. Since most Scripting languages are interpreted, instead of compiled, the runtime speed gains over other authoring methods are minimal. The media handling can vary widely; check out your system with your contributing package formats carefully.

5. What is the Iconic/Flow Control paradigm?

This tends to be the speediest (in development time) authoring style; it is best suited for rapid prototyping and short-development time projects. The core of the paradigm is the Icon Palette, containing the possible functions/interactions of a program, and the Flow Line, which shows the actual links between the icons. These programs tend to be the slowest runtimes, because each interaction carries with it all of its possible permutations; the higher end packages, such as Authorware or IconAuthor, are extremely powerful and suffer least from runtime speed problems.

6. What is the Frame paradigm?

The Frame paradigm is similar to the Iconic/Flow Control paradigm in that it usually incorporates an icon palette; however, the links drawn between icons are conceptual and do not always represent the actual flow of the program. This is a very fast development system, but requires a good auto-debugging function, as it is visually un-debuggable. The best of these have bundled compiled-language scripting, such as Quest (whose scripting language is C) or Apple Media Kit.

7. What is the Card/Scripting paradigm?

The Card/Scripting paradigm provides a great deal of power (via the incorporated scripting language) but suffers from the index-card structure. It is excellently suited for Hypertext applications, and supremely suited for navigation intensive (a la Cyan's "MYST" game) applications. Such programs are easily extensible via XCMDs and DLLs; they are widely used for shareware applications. The best applications allow all objects (including individual graphic elements) to be scripted; many entertainment applications are prototyped in a card/scripting system prior to compiled-language coding.

8. What is the Cast/Score/Scripting paradigm?

The Cast/Score/Scripting paradigm uses a music score as its primary authoring metaphor; the synchronous elements are shown in various horizontal "tracks" with simultaneity shown via the vertical columns. The true power of this metaphor lies in the ability to script the behavior of each of the cast members. The most popular member of this paradigm is Director, which is used in the creation of many commercial applications. These programs are best suited for animation-intensive or synchronized media applications; they are easily extensible to handle other functions (such as hypertext) via XOBJs, XCMDs, and DLLs.

9. What is the Hierarchical Object paradigm?
The Hierarchical Object paradigm uses a object metaphor (like OOP) which is visually represented by embedded objects and iconic properties. Although the learning curve is non-trivial, the visual representation of objects can make very complicated constructions possible.

10. What is the Hypermedia Linkage paradigm?

The Hypermedia Linkage paradigm is similar to the Frame paradigm in that it shows conceptual links between elements; however, it lacks the Frame paradigm's visual linkage metaphor.

11. Can I develop all of my material in the authoring system?

Yes, but you probably shouldn't. Although most packages allow you to create content using their in-built tools, these tend to be rudimentary when compared with those available in dedicated programs. For more professional output, you should use software dedicated to the creation and editing of that medium, and then import/integrate the content into your multimedia program.

One site which gives an excellent overview of the available tools and methodologies is the User Interface Design Web.

Major content-development packages are likely to include:

Paint programs for still images (photos, original digital artwork)
Paint effects programs
Illustration (draw) programs for still images (modeled and rendered objects)
Video digitizing/editing programs
Video effects programs
Audio sampling/editing programs
Word processors (script and program text)
Database programs
Animation programs
Pre-Authoring programs; to date, there's only one, Allen Communications' Designer's Edge.

12. What is the best authoring system?

This is the most impossible question you could ask. It's like asking what's the best hammer -- it depends upon the job you're trying to do, and sometimes (like when you're working on plumbing), there is no answer. Qualify your question, and there'll be a prayer of answering it.

13. Given that my subject matter is <>, my delivery platform is <>, and my design specifies <>, which authoring system should I use?

This is a question an authoring specialist can answer (just as soon as you fill in the blanks, and add any other qualifying data).

14. What are the names of some authoring systems?

Amiga Authoring systems:

Scala MM400 ; Scala

DOS Authoring systems:

GLpro : G-media
GLpro is a scripting paradigm authoring system.
Multimedia Grasp : Paul Mace Software
Multimedia Grasp is a scripting paradigm authoring system.
Neobook : Neosoft

Macintosh Authoring systems:

Digital Chisel : Pierian Spring
MacWeekReview
HyperCard: Apple
HyperCard is a card/scripting authoring system currently in version 2.3. It runs natively on both 68K and PowerMacintosh machines, and is widely used because of its easy availability at $99. Its largest drawback is the lack of integrated color; current color implementation is via the ColorTools XCMD set (included) or via third-party XCMDs.
Libra Authoring Tool for the Mac: Michael Farris, Southwest Texas State University
HyperCard-based tool optimized for Interactive Videodisc Instruction production.
MediaLink : InterEd & University of South Carolina
MediaLink is a Hypermedia Linkage paradigm authoring system, and has extensive hyperlinking functionality. This is one of the few freeware tools available.
Special Delivery : IMC
MacWeekReview
StorySpace : Eastgate Systems
Hypertext authoring system, uses "Writing Space" links, corresponds pretty closely to the frame paradigm.

Windows Authoring Systems:

Buccaneer : Buccaneer Developments Ltd.
CBTExpress : AimTech
This is a CBT-optimized, stripped-down version of IconAuthor; follows the frame paradigm. Plenty of templates provided for novice CBT developers.
HM_Card : Dr. Nick Scherbakov, Technical University of Graz
HM_Card is a Hypermedia Linkage authoring system, with two modules: a content database and a linker. Optimized for hypermedia, HM-Card should be ideal for producing electronic references. This is one of the few shareware authoring systems available.
HyperPlus : Object Plus
HyperPlus is a conversion program for HyperCard 2.1 stacks to run under Windows. Does not support ColorTools XCMD set (introduced version 2.2), so you'll need to port your color graphics separately and then integrate.
Inigo : University of Twente
MediaWorks : Instinct
MediaWorks is a Hierarchical Object paradigm authoring system, with a point-and-click interface (i.e., no scripting language), optimized for CBT.
Multimedia Toolbook : Asymetrix
Multimedia Toolbook is a card/scripting authoring system currently in version 4.0. It includes database linkage, MCI compliance and many examples (called "Widgets") of interactivity. There is a non-multimedia version called Toolbook, and a CBT-optimized edition called Multimedia Toolbook CBT Edition.
Podium : University of Delaware
Podium is a Hypermedia Linkage paradigm authoring system.
Quest 5 for Windows : Allen Communications
Quest 5 for Windows is a frame paradigm authoring system currently in version 5.1. Its most notable feature is its scripting language, which is ANSI C. It includes full compliance with MCI.
ShowBasic : MIKSoftware
STDemo : MIKSoftware
SuperLink : Alchemedia
SuperLink is the successor software to Linkway, and follows the card/scripting paradigm, while holding the content externally to the script file.
WinPlus : Object Plus
WinPlus is a card/scripting authoring system.
WinPlus Multimedia Edition : Object Plus
WinPlus Multimedia Edition is a card/scripting authoring system with enhanced multimedia features.

UNIX Authoring Systems:

MetaCard : MetaCard
MetaCard is a card/scripting authoring system.

X-Platform Authoring Systems:

Apple Media Tool : Apple Computer Mac, Windows player
Apple Media Tool is a frame paradigm authoring system. To create complicated interactive structures, you will likely need to get the accompanying AMT Programming Environment.
Authorware Academic : Prentice-Hall ; Mac, Windows
This is the 500-icon limited version of Authorware 2.0; it follows the iconic/flow control paradigm and is sold mainly through university bookstores and other ".edu" markets. The other limitations include: no .UCD support, limited .DLL support, no JumpFile (between Authorware-generated files) or JumpOut (to other applications/files) support.
Authorware: Macromedia ; Mac, Windows
Currently in version 3.0, this follows the iconic/flow control paradigm with a limit per individual file of 32,000 icons. Authorware supports jumping between files (I've worked on projects greater than 100 MB in content), jumping out to apps and even printing from them. This has unparalleled external media support, and can encapsulate all non-motion media content into apps and content libraries. Text support for styles, and navigation structures including hypertext are new features. This tool is optimal for CBT and rapid prototyping.
CourseBuilder; Discovery Systems Int'l.; Mac, Windows Player
CourseBuilder is an iconic/flow control paradigm authoring system optimized for CBT delivery. Allows scriptless interactive courseware construction.
cT(R) : Carnegie Mellon University & WorldWired ; Mac, Windows, Unix
cT is a scripting paradigm authoring system, with player capabilities for the World Wide Web. cT's media handling includes support for both QuickTime and Video for Windows, bitmap and vector graphics; interactivity capabilities include hottext and response-tracking/judging.
Director : Macromedia ; Mac, Windows, various players
Currently in version 4.0, this popular general market product follows the cast/score/scripting paradigm, which makes it the tool of choice for animation content. Its roots as a cel- and sprite-animation program are unmistakable; and its inclusion of Lingo, its object-based scripting language, has made it the animation-capable program to beat. Director's major disabilities are its rudimentary text handling and slow running of navigation-intensive content.
Formula Graphics Multimedia System : Harrow Software ; Windows, NT
Gain Momentum : SyBase ; NT, UNIX
HyperStudio ; Roger Wagner Publishing ; Mac, Windows
HyperStudio is a card/scripting paradigm authoring system, optimized for and focussed on the educational market.
HyperWriter : Ntergaid ; DOS, Windows
HyperWriter uses a word-processing document metaphor, whose capbilities correspond closest to the frame authoring paradigm. HyperWriter comes in several flavors: plain, which includes support for a single platform; Professional, which includes both DOS and Windows versions, Wizards, AutoLinker, optional encryption and an installer; and Training (CBT-optimized).
IconAuthor : AimTech ; Windows, OS/2, NT, UNIX, Mac Player
IconAuthor follows the iconic/flow control paradigm. It is notable for its SmartObject editor, which tags content files (still graphics, RTF text, etc.) for interactivity. It has the option to either embed content files or leave them external in specified directories. The biggest strength of this program is its included data handling, which makes it unparalleled for CBT data tracking. The latest version should also provide WWW porting of existing content. Avoid its internal "Move Object" animation feature due to jerky response.
Java : Sun Microsystems ; UNIX, NT
mTropolis : mFactory ; Mac/PowerMac, Windows player
mTropolis is a Hierarchical Object paradigm authoring system.
Microcosm : Microcosm Support & Development Team, University of SouthHampton ; DOS, Windows
Microcosm is a Hypermedia Linkage authoring system, now commercially available.
Oracle Media Objects : Oracle ; Mac, Windows
Oracle Media Objects is a card/scripting paradigm authoring system.
Quatrain : Softwords ; DOS, Mac, Windows, UNIX
Question Mark : Question Mark Computing Ltd; WWW (via Windows), DOS, Mac, Windows
Question Mark is optimized for Electronic Assessment production.
ScriptX : Kaleida Labs ; Mac, Windows player
ScriptX is a scripting paradigm authoring system.
STiP : MacVonk ; Mac, Windows Player, CD-I Player
STiP Professional is a frame paradigm authoring system, with a visual "tree" metaphor for defining branching.
SuperCard : Allegiant ; Mac, Windows player
SuperCard 2.5 shines among the card/scripting authoring systems. With built-in support for 24-bit color, hypertext, and external media handling (QuickTime, PICS, Filmstip, PICT, AIFF), this is the best of its paradigm. This is an excellent tool for hypermedia implementation, and has the best support staff on earth.
TenCORE : Computer Teaching Corporation ; DOS, Windows
TenCORE is actually two products: TenCORE Producer, which is a frame paradigm authoring system, and TenCORE Language Authoring System, which is a scripting paradigm authoring system. TenCORE LAS has discernable Plato roots.

Players require authoring on a "full" platform, then a port to the player platform.

15. What print magazines deal with authoring systems?

16. What books deal with authoring systems?

Authoring Interactive Multimedia by Arch C. Luther. Excellent, albeit non-comprehensive, reference.
Authorware with Style by Rod Sims
Macromedia Director Design Guide by Lee Swearingen & Cathy Clarke.
Macromedia Director Lingo Workshop by John Thompson, et.al.
Multimedia Authoring : Building and Developing Documents by Scott Fisher
Multimedia Literacy by Fred T. Hofstetter. Includes CD-ROM
Multimedia--Making it Work by Tay Vaughan. Essential if you're just starting out; useful if you're breaking out on your own.
Multimedia Starter Kit for Macintosh by Michael D. Murie. Vital reference for newbie multimedia producers.
Utilizing Multimedia Toolbook 3.0 by Tom L. Hall

More books are listed at Betsy Bruce's Multimedia Books site.

17. What software titles deal with authoring systems?

Multimedia, Working it Out! by Tay Vaughan. Hybrid Macintosh/Windows CD-ROM. Invaluable resource for independent professional and would-be multimedia developers.

18. What USENET newsgroups deal with authoring systems?

19. What Independent WebSites deal with authoring systems?

Authorbase Cobweb site -- not updated for a couple of years.
Maricopa Authoring Languages site Excellent authoring site; regular updates and new pointers.
UI Design Web. Excellent reference site for multimedia design and development.
Multimedia Resources Page. This is the comprehensive multimedia site.
The Authorware Professional (AWARE list) Page. If you are doing any level of Authorware development, check out the AWARE mailing list and its mirror at bit.listserv.authorware.
Betsy Bruce's Multimedia page Includes the current list of Authorware books.
DIRECT-L List home page for the Director mailing list; if you're doing Director or Shockwave development, subscribe!
Maricopa's Director Page; Here is the Director resources site. Excellent!
Director FAQ-in-progress.
The Kinte Space This is Bryan Wilhite's Authorware demo space; check it out -- especially the Kinte FAQs!
Morph's Outpost Daily Spectrum mirror site Although the print mag Morph's Outpost is no more, the on-line version is still humming; updated weekdays.
The Multimedia Toolbook (TOOLB-L list) Page -- US Mirror
The Multimedia Toolbook (TOOLB-L list) Page -- UK Mirror
Multimedia Toolbook Resources Page

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