Abstract

Internet embeds both conventional mass media and its own cybermedia with a social network that introduces a new communication process based on interactivity, new ways of relating users, different technical and communicative mediations, a new information outlook and changes in the narrative and expressive models together with an expansion of the possibilities of navigation and hypertextuality, creating synergies between the cyberpress, cyberradio, cybertelevision and the social network within a new space-time globality. This article –drawn from research work in these fields– analyses the changes that have affected the cybermedia in their different variations, and systematizes these phenomena in order to provide new dimensions for the theoretical construction of the emerging interactive model of communication.

Abstract

This paper compiles data on how the use of hypermedia, interactive multimedia and interfaces have changed the classical dynamics of human communications and education to create a new paradigm. This paradigm originates in the interface since it allows multidirectional and multimedia communications through interactions with the elements of which it is composed. This research describes the different aesthetic, narrative, emotional and value elements that are integrated within the cultural hypermedia interfaces. These hypermedia elements are fundamental components to be taken into account in the creation of educational interactive media products. The communicative functions are interchangeable between sender-receptor, author-reader-author, creator-user, professor-student... thanks to the introduction of multimedia interactive expressions and technological instruments that allow several types of interactions. This flexible functionality generates new communicative as well as dramatic models of interactive narrative, where the interaction of receptors-senders and reader-authors with the narrative actions occur at the character or avatar level. The interfacial aesthetic, narrative, emotional and value elements are studied, analyzed and described in detail thanks to an innovative model of analysis that can be used to for the implementation and design of interactive edutainment media products. The application of this model helped to create cultural content interfaces enabling not only the development of interactive educational workshops in the USA, Peru and Bolivia for more than 200 students, but also multisensory and immersive communications with quality.

Abstract

Over the last few years the role of the interactive communication professional has changed parallel to technological innovation and the introduction of new communication paradigms. Digital technology has facilitated the creation of the interaction designer, a professional position in many production teams and digital newsrooms that has yet to be fully defined. This paper presents an attempt to define the characteristics and necessary knowledge of the interaction communication expert. This is done by reviewing the skills needed for the practice of interaction design, looking at the career paths offered by graduate and undergraduate studies in interactive communication, and evaluating a case study in the field of interactive documentary. By comparing the results of the three analytical methods (literature review, comparative analysis, and case study) we present research that covers the differing perceptions that exist of this professional position. This analysis brings to the surface a lack of consensus in an emerging field that is still evolving and adapting since its appearance nearly twenty years ago.

Abstract

Genette introduced and defined the concept of paratext in 1987, and applied studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of this methodological approach. However, reviewing the scientific literature shows a lack of studies of a paratext that is essential to the promotion of reading on social networks: public virtual epitext. The first aim of this paper is to review and analyze the scientific literature about virtual epitext. Next, we propose lines of research to advance the promotion of books and reading on social networks. Finally, we show the need to broaden the virtual epitext concept in order to analyze internet-related changes in the dissemination of books and reading.

Abstract

A study of high quality infographic reports in online media from the 24th Malofiej awards, the top international reference in infographics. Informative uses, functions, internal structures, interactive levels, and multimedia elements are examined. This research uses an original coding card for content analysis, applied with variables that have not been used in similar studies. The results show stylistic and focus similarities with classic reports, along with excellent communicative clarity. Predominate the reports as autonomous, structurally and functionally simple pieces. The use of animations and other iconic and textual elements are infrequent. Communicative effectiveness and efficiency are achieved because of ease of use, simple articulation, and absence of “noise”—all of which are essential in an online product. Further guidelines for