Multimedia and Web Design
In this interactive era of blogs, Bebo, and MySpace, computers have gone all creative on us. Creating a personal site is akin to decorating a bedroom as thousands strive to showcase their individual creative flair. Multimedia and web design involves turning this inventiveness into something that will incur financial benefits: a job.
Technology continues to evolve faster than you can download the latest Arctic Monkeys song; web sites have become more sophisticated and computer games are now hyper-realistic, while developments in DVD, e-business and e-learning technologies are also coming thick and fast. All this advancement means there are plenty of exciting opportunities for people with third-level multimedia qualifications.
The word ‘multimedia’ means different things to different people, and the subjects offered on each course can vary. Some courses concentrate more on web design, some offer social science and media subjects, and others teach elements of computer programming and software design.
The multimedia and web design sectors are certain to continue to grow for the foreseeable future making it an excellent career prospect for those who would like to combine design and IT.
Education
A large number of new multimedia courses have been introduced in recent years. Options include higher certificate and degree courses in Multimedia, Communications & Multimedia, Multimedia Computing, Multimedia & Computer Games Design, Interactive Multimedia and Multimedia Applications Development. CAO points’ requirements are around 400 for the degree courses and 200 – 300 for the certificates.
There are also a number of specific web design courses available at further education colleges listed in the Guide. These courses are not part of the CAO system so you can apply directly to the college concerned.
Subject options across the various multimedia courses include Visual Design, Media Studies, Web Authoring, E-Learning, Computer Programming, Social & Economic Studies and Games Modelling Design. You may also learn how to use software programmes used in multimedia and web site design (e.g. Flash, Director, Photoshop) as well as sound and video editing software (such as Final Cut and Pro Tools).
Options After Qualification
Multimedia graduates have a wide range of career options including the web design, media, e-learning, computer games, education and e-commerce industries. There are also opportunities for roles in business, tourism, arts, journalism, the civil service and other sectors, as an increasing number of organisations realise the importance of maintaining an attractive and informative website.
The Work
There are a multitude of avenues that a multimedia graduate could choose from. A typical professional produces interactive web sites, DVDs and programmes featuring an imaginative combination of image, sound and text. The content can be anything from an e-learning language programme to the DVD menu on a new film release.
Multimedia designers usually work with a client or manager who gives them a brief containing the content to include. The designer then suggests a number of ideas or structures. When one is chosen, the designer must then create and design each of the elements (animations, menus, images) and fit them all together, before testing the finished product and fixing any problems.
As the name suggests, web designers generally concentrate on designing web sites. With broadband access becoming more widespread, web sites are gaining more interactivity: incorporating video, audio, shopping and other content. Making a website memorable is vital, so innovation is a must.
A web designer is given a brief just like a regular designer, and is required to use imagination and skill to create the finished product – a unique site that showcases the subject, product or content as required. Sites can be for the Internet (public) or the intranet (accessible only within a company). The job can include design work on the ‘front end’ of the site that the user sees, as well as programming and technical work on the ‘back end’ – the details visible only to the webmaster. Many designers specialise in a particular software programme or language (such as php, xml or Flash).
Other responsibilities that multimedia or web design professionals may have include writing content for web sites and manuals, editing video and audio files and preparing them to be viewed or heard online, designing and implementing database or e-commerce solutions and regularly updating and managing clients’ web sites.
Personal Qualities & Work Environment
Multimedia is especially well suited to students with a combination of interests in the media, humanities and computing areas. Creativity, IT skills, teamwork and an enthusiasm for new technologies are all important qualities.
Multimedia professionals usually work in an office or studio environment. Companies can be big or small; the larger organisations like banks, the civil service, multinationals and universities often have their own design team. Depending on the position, a multimedia staff member may have to meet clients, pitch proposals or introduce new technologies.
Some designers work freelance, on a contract basis, or from home.
The Money
Web designers may start out on €25,000 a year, while people with extra skills or programming experience may earn more. These figures can rise quickly as experience and success are gained.
The Jargon
E-learning: Courses and programmes of study delivered using computers or other technology
Modelling: A computer programme that simulates a particular system, used for testing and developing
Webmaster: A person responsible for designing, developing, marketing, or maintaining a web site
Job Titles
Multimedia Designer
Web Designer
Computer Games Developer
Webmaster
Web Developer
Web Editor
