Digital media design… What exactly does that entail?
It’s a pretty broad term. It simply means any media that are encoded in a machine-readable format. It basically encompasses a majority of graphic design projects — anything from print design to animation to mobile site design falls under this term.
Foundations in Digital Media Production:
Developing digital media requires a strong understanding of visual designing software like Adobe InDesign and Photoshop. Develop these software design skills while learning how to design and produce print and web marketing material with HOW Design University‘s latest course, Intro to Digital Media Production. Instructor Jessica Jensen explores elementary design concepts, then explains step-by-step how to use essential Adobe products such as InDesign, Photoshop and Premiere to create layouts with multimedia elements.
A ten-year veteran online educator teaching in journalism and mass communications, Jensen specializes in design education, including courses on print and online advertising. As an educator, Jensen takes the time to develop and create her own courses using the most current software and information in the field.
Here’s a more in-depth explanation of the term “digital production” excerpted from Jensen’s HOW Design University course:
So What Does Digital Media Production Mean?
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Digital production “refers to the production of visual media…” – visual media is communication through sight including graphics, videos, illustrations, diagrams, etc.
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“Digital media production is the process in which digital files are created, enhanced, and distributed using numerous methods of processing via computer hardware and software applications” – in this course you will use InDesign software to create projects including advertisements, facebook and mobile ads, print publications and more
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Florida’s digital media industry association, Digital Media Alliance Florida, defines digital media as “the creative convergence of digital arts, science, technology and business for human expression, communication, social interaction and education.”
Internet Influence
Think about these Internet Usage Statistics:
(source from http://www.pewinternet.org)
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As of 2014, the number of internet users worldwide was 2.92 billion, or 40% of the population. In 1995, it was less than 1%
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In a January 2014 survey, 87% of Americans use the internet
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By May 2013, 52% of adult cell phone owners sent or received email on their device, 50% downloaded a software application, 60% accessed the internet, 21% participated in a video call, and 81% sent or received text messages
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And by January 2014, 74% of internet users use social networking sites
“The Internet is a more important invention than the printing press because of its (1) frictionless publishing, (2) interactivity, and (3) multimedia characteristics.” – Phil Leigh, Inside Digital Media
This means:
1. Frictionless Publishing – On the Internet, anyone can be a publisher and place information online
2. Interactivity – People can do just about anything online: play games, chat with friends, advertise their business, shop for gifts and much more!
3. Multimedia Characteristics – Publishers can use a variety of media online including text, graphics, audio, animation, video
Implications for Business
(source from http://www.insidedigitalmedia.com)
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Because of the Internet, businesses like newspapers and magazines that traditionally have been paper editions, have had to adapt to the world of digital media and the Internet
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Many are trying to find ways to “stay alive” and thrive in the every-changing world of the Internet
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Advertising online has become more popular than ever, creating a new world for marketing businesses
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Social media has emerged into one of the greatest online advances to date, with people of all ages joining.
Digital Media Design Examples:
We found beautiful examples of digital media designs that reveal how it can be used for marketing and branding efforts.
“Untranslateable Project”
by Maria Tiurina & NeonMob Artists.
“It’s about untranslatable words – the ones that a lot of people understand but less people are able to actually define. I picked 14 words that she thought were charming and funny. All illustrations have been created in Photoshop!” – Maria Tiurina
Sonos Re-Branding Project
The Sonos re-branding project by Bruce Mau Design (BMD) is another gorgeous example of digital media design.
“Together with Sonos, we assessed our initial visual identity and determined that we needed to push harder to signal Sonos’ leadership, relevance, and dedication to the music experience. This new iteration of the Sonos visual identity advances the idea of the modern music experience – not singular or monolithic but a rich diversity of expressions. Performance imagery from Sonos Studio, new product photography and the introduction of three big graphic tools that can be mixed and remixed, deliver a creative and variable language while still providing the stability of a recognizable system.” – Bruce Mau Design (BMD)
Club Mindshare
Club Mindshare utilized digital media (designed by Leonie Knowles) in their print invitations, mobile apps and welcome guide.
“Cannes Lions Festival of Creativity is considered the world’s biggest advertising festival. The annual seven day event celebrates the best of creativity in brand communication and attracts thousands of advertising professionals, designers, digital innovators and marketers from over 90 countries worldwide. Club Mindshare is an invite-only venue at the festival, hosted by Global Media Agency, Mindshare.” – Leonie Knowles
Learn how to create your own digital media projects by signing up for Jensens’ course “Intro to Digital Media Production.”