Multimedia artifacts do not just leap from the keyboard of a designer, programer, writer or developer, they require a long period of planning. Multimedia is similar to the film industry in that the preproduction process can be much longer than the production process.

Once a multimedia project has started, any change will have a knock-on effect on processes further down the line. In order to minimize this, the multimedia producer needs to ensure that several documents are produced leading up to the 'Functional Specification'. The Functional Specification is akin to a screenplay in the film or television industry.

This process includes creating:

• Concept Document
• Competitive Analysis
• Top Level Design
• Assets List
• Cost Benefit Analysis
• Node Map
• Functional Specification
  

The Concept Document is often called a 'Proposal'. Its purpose is to describe the artifact and who the target users are likely to be. The audience for a Concept Document is the Development Team. It is used in 'brainstorming' sessions to refine and focus the proposed artifact.

A Concept Document will be rewritten several times during the 'Conceptual Process' and will address the following:

• The Target Market
• The Subject (content)
• The Need
• Instructional objectives (if educational)
• Genre
• Theme
• Target Platform

Managing multimedia production
The multimedia development process
Web design and development process

Sample concept documents:

• Flight Fanatic
• Pollen Park