Overview of the DiSEL project

The digital environment is making possible the creation of new kinds of content.  This “fourth medium” for news and information delivery has attributes unique from television, radio, and newsprint.  Digital production and delivery of content makes it possible to:
•combine media elements (sound, image, text, video, animation)
•provide links to both internal and external materials
•allow manipulation of material by the user
•create non-linear content presentations
•calculate user responses to customize their online experiences

News organizations are experimenting with these new storytelling forms through the use of audio slide shows, interactive graphics, hyperlinking to supplemental material, and creative, non-linear story packaging.  These attempts to break out of the traditional column display of text inherited by the newsprint conventions are increasing, but there are constraints to broader experimentation.  The time it takes to build these inventive forms and the design and programming skills required to do them well are two reasons for lack of broader adoption. But other reasons include a lack of evidence about the effectiveness of these new forms of storytelling and a lack of understanding about the ways people move through layered digital story packages.  

The news industry needs evidence and information about audience use of digital content in order to make decisions about the best use of different digital storytelling forms and formats.  The Digital Story Effects Lab will provide that guidance.