Functionality

Functionality measures the range of capabilities of a media product – its feature set. It is concerned with what a user can see, hear, and do, without regard to specific content. 

1. Media – what is the mix?
• Text
• Photos and graphics
• Animation and video
• Sound and music
2. Interactivity – ways in which the computer responds to the mouse or keyboard. The computer accepts input and something changes as a result. Rudimentary examples are when the user clicks and the computer:

• Shows a different screen
• Opens a browser to display a web site
• Plays a sound.

More advanced interactive elements include:

• Search box
• Email feedback
• Page tracking
• Guest book
• Poll
• Shopping cart
• Game

3. Control – the user’s ability to customize the environment by making choices about

• Sound – change the level or choose background music
• Visual – pick a color scheme or set the font size
• Other areas –skip an introduction or select Spanish instead of English 

4. Reliability – no errors, bugs or glitches. No dead links.
    

Readings

1. "Interactivity: A Forgotten Art?" – Roderick Sims,
   Jan. 27, 1997
2. "What Is Web 2.0?" – Tim O'Reilly,
   Sep. 30, 2005