Multimedia developer
Description
A multimedia developer has knowledge and skills across a wide variety of areas in relation to the design and 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 developer designs, creates, manipulates and tailors graphics, images, sound, animation, video and text to create integrated multimedia programs. A multimedia developer is able to combine design skills with technical knowledge to digital products and website.
The multimedia developer is required to be able to design the overall picture of the game or website, create and manipulate the graphics, add sound and then edit the sound and graphics so the end product makes sense. Editing is a major skill of a multimedia developer as the editing ensures that the end product is marketable.
A multimedia developer works closely with clients to ensure that they have a full understanding of what the client wants in the end product. Multimedia developers 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 developer 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 developer 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
Content design and authoring | INCA | 5 | Provides overall editorial control across the team or teams of content designers and authors. Advises on appropriate content formats and mediums. Develops and maintains content plans showing how the identified audience needs will be met. Oversees the review and approval of materials to enable requirements to be satisfied. |
Functional testing | TEST | 4 | Builds visual and audio components and integrates them into the system structure. Uses design tools to evolve rapid prototypes and assess the viability of design concepts for interactive systems and user interfaces. Uses complex visual design tools and organic modelling techniques to create and animate virtual characters within a game or system design. |
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. |
Animation development | ADEV | 4 | Builds visual and audio components and integrates them into the system structure. Uses design tools to evolve rapid prototypes and assess the viability of design concepts for interactive systems and user interfaces. Uses complex visual design tools and organic modelling techniques to create and animate virtual characters within a game or system design. |
Programming/ software development | PROG | 4 | Designs, codes, verifies, tests, documents, amends and refactors complex programs/scripts and integration software services. Contributes to the selection of the software development methods, tools, techniques, and security practices. Applies agreed standards, tools, and security measures to achieve well-engineered outcomes. Participates in reviews of own work and leads reviews of colleagues' work. |
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 developer will need to have very high-level communication and negotiation skills, an eye for detail and the ability to work in a team environment.