Describes seven design principles found in computer games that contribute to the creation of more usable applications. Provides examples from several games to illustrate these principles ("attract mode," clearly stated goals, brief instructions, transparency, performance coaching, "training wheels," and consistent feedback). Argues that games set…

"Design Inspection Reviews" are structured meetings in which participants follow certain rules of procedure and behavior when conducting detailed readings of design plans to identify errors and misunderstandings. The technique is widely used in the software engineering industry, where it is demonstrably more effective than testing at…

Describes an experiment that was conducted using a digital video course to determine the effects of multimedia interface capabilities on computer-assisted instruction, particularly on recall performance and attitude. Results are reported that indicate motion video is more effective than slides, and design guidelines are suggested. (34 references)…

Findings from fieldwork analyzing children's use of four interactive multimedia programs are compared with a description of early film features and used as the basis to consider problems faced by an audience encountering a nascent medium. Methods adopted to facilitate understanding of films and their suitability for adaptation to multimedia…