Recounting the culture and history of early computers and multimedia systems--including clockwork theatres and interactive art installations as well as computer pioneers like Alan Turing and Doug Englebart, inventor of the mouse--Dust or Magic isn't just interesting and well-told. It's a salutary lesson in what works, what proves popular and what disappoints. The early multimedia titles certainly seem crude compared to the brightly-coloured, anti-aliased Web but their interface tricks and richness of content stand up well to the average Web site of flat words and a graphical navbar. What makes multimedia--or any other medium--worthwhile is the works produced in it: not just the interface or the technological specifications but the content and the integration of information with computers' capabilities.

Using cautionary tales, Bob Hughes demonstrates how badly planned, badly managed projects rarely produce good results. He goes on to cover creativity and design, thinking about your audience and developing an inspirational title. Dust or Magic explores how we think and learn--not the specifics of programming or editing images. Don't look here for a tutorial or even a catalogue of software tools: This book is about much more fundamental issues. If you have even the slightest interest in creating content on computers you'll find it impossible to putdown. --Penny Jannifer

Product Description

Dust or Magic provides a simple, consistent and convincing paradigm for satisfying and successful creative work. Drawing together a wealth of knowledge and experience Dust or Magic reveals the key to designing accomplished interactive computer-based media. It will show you how to:

• ask the crucial questions at the start of a project
• increase the productivity, effectiveness and enjoyment of your work
• create and manage small teams
• understand the history of the medium and your place within it.