Interactive examples

MSNBC takes the lead in innovation efforts for multimedia presentations

MSNBC wins my vote for the most creative interactive in a long time. Check out their latest package, Battle of the Bags: Paper vs. Plastic. My initial impression was WOW! The design is top notch and I have to credit fellow UNCer Evann Strathern for combining so many unique elements into one engaging story.

Told in a sequential order, this interactive begins with the problem, advances to research and point/counterpoint arguments for each side and then ends with a “You decide your own fate”-type presentation with a pointed realization of cause and effects. MSNBC combines video, surveys, audio, click-through galleries, Q&A sessions and other interactive elements to keep the user engaged throughout the entire presentation. Again, WOW!

My favorite part is how they used audio rather than text to dictate directions to the user. I personally believe web-savvy people immediately jump into interactives, choosing to figure it out on their own, rather than read an instructions page. What a great way to make sure users get the most of their presentation without forcing them to sit through anything. One important note is that although it is presented in a sequential fashion and is best viewed in this order, they have allowed the user the ability to skip through certain sections with the back and forward arrows as well as jump directly to a certain area with the subtle navigation below. I like how they grayed out these elements enough so that it doesn’t take away from the experience. I also love having the mouse animations which direct users to take certain actions and give them a step-by-step of what they need to do.

Job well done Evann and MSNBC. I like that you all are setting the bar high for the rest of us.

Other posts that might interest you:

• MSNBC interactive editor Vu Nguyen discusses stimulus tracker
• Critiquing MSNBC’s website redesign – is bigger always better?
• UNC launches latest multimedia project, “Living Galapagos”

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