OVERVIEW

Flowcharting is an integral part of the interactive design process. It is done to communicate sequence, decision points, branching, and the flow of information in interactive multimedia. In traditional linear media there is no need to document the various paths a viewer can take through the program because there is only one path. In the Internet, CD-ROMs, and other interactive digital media, flowcharts not only show all possible paths a viewer may take, but also indicate the various activities that will take place along the way, such as video motion sequences, subroutines, games, tests, or transactions. The simplest on-line flowcharts are often called site maps.

Quite a few programs have been created to allow developers to create flowcharts electronically. One of my favorites is Inspiration from Inspiration Software. It s a simple click-and-drag program with pull-down menus that allow you to create flowcharts with a variety of standard flowchart notations as well as unique symbols and icons.

Figure 10.1 shows a simple site map created with Inspiration. I couldn t resist the temptation to substitute some of Inspiration s more interesting icons. We ll soon learn that what I ve made is definitely a level-one flowchart. For a more traditional look at the standard kinds of flowchart symbols, check out the several pages of Figure 10.2. Note that access to the variety of icon images for Inspiration is achieved through pull-down menus under the symbols on the little toolbar shown in Figure 10.1.

Figure 10.1: Level 1 flowchart created with Inspiration.

Figure 10.2: