Interaction Design for Multimedia Software

Reactive interactivity


Rosetta Stone Language Learning Software, Fairfield Language Technologies

Although the production value of this software is high, and there are many options for the learner regarding which format the practice will take, once the learner begins a segment the dialogue between the program and the learner is fixed. The program gives a predetermined cue (sound, video, or text) and the learner must respond in a predetermined manner, or opt out of the practice. There is no possibility of the learner taking a path that was not predicted by the designer.

This software provides reading and listening comprehension practice for learners of foreign languages, so the reactive nature of interaction with the program is likely to be appropriate and effective. We cannot say that reactive interactivity is always undesirable, any more than we can say that high production value is always desirable, or that high production value signals complex interactivity.


Schweir, R. and Misanchuk, E. (1993). Interactive multimedia instruction. . Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Educational Technology.
[ Interaction Design for Multimedia Software ]
[ reactive interactivity ] [ proactive interactivity ] [ mutual interactivity ]

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