Multimedia designer
Description
A multimedia designer has knowledge and skills across a wide variety of areas in relation to the development of multimedia products. Multimedia refers to information that is presented using a variety of techniques such as sound, vision and animation. Very often multimedia presentations are also interactive, meaning that the user can interact or manipulate the information to some extent. A multimedia designer focuses predominantly on the development and implementation of design specifications for the multimedia product.
A multimedia designer works closely with clients to ensure that they have a full understanding of what the client wants in the end product. Multimedia designers advise clients of what is technically possible and will make recommendations for changes to the product. They will also need to collaborate with other ICT staff to ensure all members of the team are working towards the same end result.
A multimedia designer exhibits a combination of capabilities from the Skills Framework for the Information Age (SFIA) and the Leadership competencies for Queensland.
SFIA profile
Within the SFIA profile, the multimedia designer has level 4 and 5 capabilities, i.e. enables, ensures and advises on the skills outlined below.
Refer to the framework for descriptions of the seven levels of responsibility and accountability.
| SFIA skill code | SFIA skill level of responsibility | SFIA skills level descriptor |
|---|---|---|---|
Consultancy | CNSL | 5 | Takes full responsibility for understanding client requirements including data collection, analysis and resolving issues. Manages the scope and delivery of consultancy engagements to meet agreed objectives. Identifies, evaluates and recommends options. Collaborates with, and facilitates, stakeholder groups, as part of formal or informal consultancy agreements. Seeks to fully address client needs and implements solutions if required. Enhances the capabilities and effectiveness of clients by ensuring proposed solutions are fully understood and appropriately exploited. |
Emerging technology monitoring | EMRG | 5 | Monitors the external environment to gather intelligence on emerging technologies. Assesses and documents the impacts, threats and opportunities to the organisation. Creates reports and technology roadmaps and shares knowledge and insights with others. |
Content design and authoring | INCA | 4 | Designs the content and appearance of complex information artefacts. Controls, monitors and evaluates content to ensure quality, consistency and accessibility of messages and optimal use of chosen media. Understands and manages risks associated with publishing content. Moderates content and ensures content can be re-purposed appropriately. Reviews work of others and takes responsibility for ensuring appropriate publication. |
Functional testing | TEST | 4 | Selects appropriate functional testing approaches, considering risk, criticality and complexity. Develops, automates and executes comprehensive test plans and cases. Configures environments to mirror real-world usage, collaborates with stakeholders to refine requirements and manages scalable automated testing frameworks. Identifies and mitigates risks during testing, provides detailed analysis and reports on functional test activities and results, including work done by others. |
SFIA skillLeadership skills
Leadership competencies for Queensland describes what highly effective, everyday leadership looks like in the sector. In simple, action-oriented language, it provides a common understanding of the foundations for success across all roles. The profile describes three performance dimensions (vision, results and accountability) and 11 leadership competencies required against five leadership streams.
Leadership streams are not connected to a level or classification, but rather reflect the balance between leadership and technical skills required of an individual. Individuals can consider the value proposition of roles rather than the traditional lens of hierarchical structures or classification levels. The five leadership streams are:
- Individual contributor (Leads self and does not supervise others)
- Team leader (leads a team and typically reports to a program leader)
- Program leader (leads team leaders and/or multiple areas of work)
- Executive (leads program leaders or other executives)
- Chief executive (leads the organisation).
When developing a role description, identify the role type and then focus on the most important attributes and create a balance between SFIA skills and leadership skills.
Entry points
Entry to a career in multimedia is generally after completion of a course at either TAFE or university. A strong understanding of and experience in industry standard computer design packages such as the Adobe Creative Suite is essential. Traineeships in multimedia studies are available and provide participants with a broad general understanding of working in multimedia.
A multimedia designer will need to have very high-level communication and negotiation skills, an eye for detail and the ability to work in a team environment.