Kimberly J. Peters Cook Library Towson University Towson, MD Kpeters@towson

1. Kimberly J. Peters Cook Library Towson University Towson, MD Kpeters@towson.edu Introduction As a new medium, interactive TV (iTV) allows the user to access and navigate information in a different way. In order to clearly illustrate such an experience, the information architecture deliverables demonstrate a more cinematic approach to mapping out the user experience. For example, a “site map” is not an appropriate document – because it is not really a “site”. On the other hand, a “process flow” provides a similar function while not constraining the experience to a particular hierarchy. The following documents were created in the spring of 2001 for a prototype of an interactive cable channel which would allow the user to access their cable account and change their services. Process Flow People have become accustomed to using the TV remote to change channels and select items from a factory preset menu in a basic linear experience. With iTV, the remote uses the same buttons to navigate through a potentially non-linear experience. The process flow document is a crucial tool for working out how this experience will flow.

2. Wireframes Personae This interactive television program will be used by an audience which ranges from those who have no experience with new technologies to the savvy techie. The identification of personae to represent this varied audience at the beginning of the project allows the rest of the design to be based upon the needs of the user. The user personae for most iTV projects already have a mental model for how the television should work. Interactive television challenges the user to break that model. Some personae will have an easier time navigating the iTV experience than others, dependent upon their prior experience with technology and other personality factors. The safe design area for an iTV screen is limited by the need to use large fonts in order to be legible on the television set. The wireframes provide an initial structure for navigation and content on each screen. Generally, the less content on the screen, the better the screen looks on the television. The amount of content that you are able to fit within the safe area can often cause a re-evaluation of the process flow.