Elements of Digital Storytelling

Elements of Digital Storytelling

Interactive, multimedia, experiential -- these terms are frequently used to describe digitial storytelling. These concepts, however, are too broad and open to interpretation. This site attempts to clarify and explore these ideas. Examination of thousands of digital stories revealed five elements present in each: media, action, relationship, context, and communication. Below are the Elements and an overview, description, and examples of each. The Elements serve three purposes indicated below, and explanations of each. Additionally the research and resources pages serve as a clearinghouse for relevant materials. Since the digital environment is evolving, the taxonomy is meant to be a starting point for further discussion. We welcome your opinions and contributions.

ONE) Establish a Taxonomy
The digital storytelling taxonomy has five parts:

  1. Media usage.
  2. Action built into the content or required by users.
  3. Relationship potential between story and user.
  4. Context provided by other materials.
  5. Communication potential.

TWO) Analyze Current Practices
Applying the Elements taxonomy to content analyses of digital stories provides understanding of current practices.

These content analyses will establish baseline measurements of the usage of different Elements. With these baselines, changes in the adoption of various digital storytelling features can be gauged.

THREE) Measure the Effects
There has been speculation about, but little measurement of, the effects various digital story forms have on users. The taxonomy provides a framework for establishing a research agenda. Look in the Research area for links to reports and studies focused on different aspects of digital storytelling and their effects on audience.

For more information: http://www.inms.umn.edu/elements/

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