The entire time that I was reading this chapter, “Interactivity and the Writer,” from Garrand’s book, my mind keep coming back to one particular Web site. Since I see the variables that define multimedia so well as part of this particular site, this post will be written in the format that I am identifying those features as they pertain to the site. Recently I have become intimately exposed to WebMD as a tool used to explore what might been causing back pain, checking up on the average recooperaton period for my grandma’s knee replacement surgery, and so much more.
To me, this Web site is the perfect example of Garrand’s definition of “multimedia.” WebMD incorporates real, still photographs of what the poison ivy rash looks like, detailed drawings of how surgeries take place, text in the Q&A format about certain sicknesses, symptoms, treatment, and other modes of expression. The site also encourages interaction between the users and the material by allowing people to ask questions or post comments about things they found to sooth their pain or make their cough go away faster. WebMD also has a tool that allows the users to alter media they come in contact with by inputting their sex, age, location, and symptoms to try to help them determine what is wrong with them. This tool is very specific and detailed down to what color spots appear on the back of your sore throat. Similar to “Choose Your Own Adventure Books,” if the person selects that the spots are white or yellow, the site redirects them to certain possible ailments; whereas, if the person selects that the spots are red, the site redirects them to other ailments. Finally, this site links to various other articles, health blogs, and health care information sites that are beneficial to the user.
Web sites that include all of these forms of multimedia are seen in a more favorable light with their audience. If I person uses this Web site, finds the information to be easy to access, great in abundance, and accurate, the client is bound to return to the Web site the next time they are sick and further recommend the site to friends and family.
Overall, I think WebMD does a fantastic job executing Garrand’s principles and playing the role of the “Interactive Doctor.”
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