People in this role need a sound understanding of mark-up languages (HTML and XML). In addition, they need to be familiar enough with scripting languages to use script libraries in authoring software to provide interactive features.

Authors work primarily on client-side technologies. In the construction of dynamic websites, for example, they develop the templates, themes and style sheets for the programmers and technical support team to integrate into the database and install on a web server. Authors also develop forms and form objects, but the scripting for form processing is provided by programmers.

Authors may also use a variety of authoring software to produce complex interactions such as digital simulations, games and puzzles.

In interactive media development, authors are working with a team, including user interface designers, interactive designers, asset creators and server-side programmers.

Skills associated with scripting are covered in:

CUFDIG404A Apply scripting language in authoring.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Identify multimedia elements

1. Obtain design specifications

2. Locate content required for productions

3. Discuss issues of integration and formats of media assets with relevant personnel

4. Determine with relevant personnel an interactive sequence to become the prototype

Identify scope of authoring software

5. Identify range of industry-standard authoring software

6. Assess the authoring software in relation to specified delivery platform

7. Discuss selection of authoring software with relevant personnel to ensure selection will meet specified outcomes

8. Select authoring software best suited to job requirements

Use authoring software

9. Load authoring software

10. Create a new file for the specified task and name using standard naming conventions

11. Display and use tools and features of authoring software relevant to the authoring process

Create interactive sequence

12. Slice and reassemble the user interface appropriate to the authoring software

13. Import and assemble components in appropriate sequence according to creative requirements

14. Create interactive features according to creative and technical requirements, sourcing and writing appropriate markup and scripting languages as required

15. Check that interactive sequence conforms to navigation design

16. Integrate media assets to ensure highest levels of technical performance

17. Check that interactive sequence conforms to loading specifications

18. Test for interoperability, eliminate all bugs and validate scripting

19. Present interactive sequence as a prototype ensuring that sequence meets creative, production and technical requirements

20. Save output file formats and identify for specified purpose

Evaluate interactive prototype

21. Present prototype to relevant personnel

22. Evaluate prototype against design specifications, including achievement of a creative and user-centred product

23. Discuss and agree on required changes

24. Assist in user trials as required

25. Evaluate feedback from user trials

26. Seek confirmation from relevant personnel to transform prototype into final product

Seek confirmation from relevant personnel to transform prototype into final product

27. Make necessary changes as indicated by user trials

28. Replicate prototype functionality to complete the interactive product

29. Make final checks to ensure sequences conform to design specifications

30. Test for interoperability, eliminate bugs and validate scripting

31. Save to specified storage system accessible to production team

32. Assist in loading product to specified platform as required

Required skills

communication and literacy skills sufficient to interpret and clarify written or verbal instructions

ability to work as a member of a production team - both independently on assignment and under direction

technical skills sufficient to:

correctly interpret design briefs, and design and technical specifications

proficiently use appropriate authoring and graphics software

seamlessly integrate and optimise a range of media assets to highest levels of technical performance

create and apply style sheets, templates or themes to conform with W3CAccessibility standards as they apply to client-side technology

manage files and directories using standard naming conventions and version control protocols

initiative and flexibility in the context of troubleshooting and solving problems as they arise during the authoring process

self-management and planning skills sufficient to:

prioritise work tasks

meet deadlines

seek expert assistance as required

Required knowledge

scope and applicability of industry-standard authoring software

technical requirements for integrating digital content for use on a range of delivery platforms, including:

animation

graphics

text

video

audio

user-centred design principles

design principles of layout and composition

industry knowledge, including:

roles and responsibilities of project team members, e.g. designers, content creators, information architects, programmers and coders

sound understanding of the relationship between technical and creative aspects and requirements of interactive media projects

sound knowledge of the features of a range of delivery platforms

markup and scripting languages as they apply to relevant authoring software

W3C Accessibility standards

purpose and process of validation and the role of interoperability standards

issues and challenges that arise in developing interactive media products

OHS standards as they relate to working on computers for periods of time

The Evidence Guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

Evidence of the following is essential:

development of an integrated and fully functional interactive media product that:

conforms to design specifications

meets W3C Accessibility standards

demonstrates creativity in design solutions

collaborative approach to work.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure:

access toa range of resources, equipment and current industry-standard software as listed in the range statement

access to appropriate learning and assessment support when required

use of culturally appropriate processes and techniques appropriate to the language and literacy capacity of learners and the work being performed.

Method of assessment

A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:

direct questioning combined with review of portfolios of evidence and third-party workplace reports of on-the-job performance

evaluation of at least two interactive products authored by the candidate

written or oral questioning to test knowledge of the processes followed to develop an interactive product and the respective roles and responsibilities of team members.

Guidance information for assessment

Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:

CUFDIG404A Apply scripting language in authoring

ICAU4207B Apply web authoring tool to convert client data for websites.

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Design specifications may include:

creative requirements

navigation design

priority levels of W3C Accessibility standards

storyboards

technical specifications, including:

disk space

delivery platform

file format for final product

time

user interface design.

Productions may include:

e-commerce

educational product

game

information product

interactive application

promotional product

training product

website.

Media assets may include:

animation

audio

graphics

images

text

video.

Relevant personnel may include:

animator

artist

asset creator

graphic designer

graphic interface designer

instructional designer

navigation designer

programmer

project manager

sound engineer

video producer

other specialist staff.

Industry-standard authoring software may include:

Authorware

Breeze

Captivate

Contribute

Director

Dreamweaver

Flash

GoLive

PageMill

RoboDemo

graphics software, including:

Photoshop

Fireworks

Illustrator

simulation software, such as LabView.

Delivery platform may include:

CD

DVD

internet

kiosk

mobile phone

personal digital assistant (PDA)

other wireless/mobile devices.

Markup and scripting languages may include:

ActionScript

HTML

JavaScript

Lingo

XML

other proprietary scripting languages.

Output file formats may include:

DIR/DCR

FLA/SWF

HTML

PDB

PDF

PRC

TXT

WAP

XML

other proprietary formats.

Unit sector

Visual communication - digital content and imaging

This unit contains employability skills.