I have had trouble finding more interactive narrative sites, so the narrative aspect may be difficult to discern when considering these few examples. Apologies! I am aware of the meaning behind narrative - it is a way/viewpoint of telling a story. It has meanings to it, a message you could say, along with attitudes and values which you are trying to push, not just a simple story going from A to B.
http://www.thephaeton.co.uk/universe/
The first is a Volkswagen site, which immediately introduces us to the site saying "this site has no sections, no sub-menus, no tables. Your journey is unique to you." This is exactly what interactive narratives are all about - the user makes the experience themselves, they have to sort of fathom out and self direct themselves along their journey.
This site informs the user of the various aspects that make up their new product, but also the factory that produce them. It is certainly of an informational purpose, but also could be perceived as a marketing tool for the new car.
Titled 'Universe', you very much do have to explore the galaxy, by clicking and then reading to find out the information. Some could complain that it is too difficult or time consuming to find out what you wish to know. However, a great search and map option is included to find your desired selection.
In terms of spacial awareness the site fills the browser window, but may alter depending upon the users aspect ratio. It is truly a 'Universe' with the black filling the screen, and then the white lines and flashing dots mimicing that of a galaxy and its stars. Aesthetically, it looks verrrry nice, I really like the look of it. This white line starts at the beginning and swirls and bends all throughout the progression of the website, with the various information boxes on a sort of timeline along this line, showing again the progression aspect to this site.
The site makes use of text, images, graphics and audio. The space like background noise merely goes alongside what is being illustrated - a cosmic, space sort of feel. It could possibly provide a soothing atmosphere, whereas, it could well become annoying.
It is highly legible, and the links easy to follow due to the large white dots, or the navigation bar found at the top. You can click anywhere you wish, or alternatively, follow the hyperlinks found within each text bubble, which follow a more structured order in terms of logic or progression. The white dots/stars pinpoint exactly where more information is held, meaning you are never stuck for something else to read.
The next site I've found is http://www.agencynet.com/, a site, that as can be seen, advertises and informs about the agency company.
The user can navigate the site through two options: the more traditional click on the menu and it'll display the information you want. Or, on the other hand, you can navigate from the birds eye point of view, and find the room you need for the information you require. When you click on these rooms, it'll bring up the same information the traditional route retrieves, but both are in a notepad style writing, as if it is that of an office members information.
By being able to navigate through the office by the birds eye view it does make it feel a lot more intriguing/in control feel. You are almost God like, being able to pick and choose where you go in the office, what you see and so on. This I find highly appealing, and is quite inducive.
We see the office directly in the centre of the browser window, the surrounds of this mimicing a desk. When the newer information is selected, these layer on top of the previous piece, as in, new sheets are placed on top of what you were looking at previously, so it is always available to go back to where you were. The surrounding wooden desk reinforces the office idea, whilst being a dark wooden colour means most of the focus remains in the birds eye view window.
The site features video, text, images and wind sounding audio in the background. Another special touch is that people have been recorded and then miniature characture versions can be seen walking, talking and sitting in the various rooms. You can traverse the site when going more in depth, for example, by pushing the buttons on a remote control and the video plays on a TV shown in the office. In addition, there is a sort of wordsearch game, where you have to find the hidden words and these refer to some of the products available. Once found, it tells you the relevant information. The gist of this site is you have to work (in a fun way) to get the information you want.
The text used is legible purposefully trying to mimic that of real life: newspaper fonts, felt tip pen scribbles on paper. It tries to add a touch of realism. The use of bright colours brings the site to life.
The last example I have decided to use is http://www.woodlands-junior.kent.sch.uk/studentssite/pokemon/intro.html. This is actually a very simple story where you make the decision involved in the world of Pokemon! (ha, don't laugh!) Quality wise, it is as basic as can be, but this means that the essentials are included and it isn't overly fussy with distracting elements.
The information is displayed in mainly the centre of your browser, it increasing and reducing to accommodate the bits wanting to be displayed. It is all of an entertaining value, it is a story after all where you direct the choices to where it will progress.
It comprises of mainly text, but visual prompts are provided in the form of animated graphics. Colours are used to effect, for example, to distinguish from narrative and dialogue. Sound clips are included which reinforce the Pokemon theme, sounds reflecting the Pokemon action involved in the story. These iconic sounds fans would be well aware of, but others may merely accept these as being for the story.
The interaction comes in the form of reading the text, looking at the images and then choosing appropriate options which link you to the next page to show you the outcome of your choice. The links are all underlined and even sometimes use a different colour to better distinguish them. The arrow navigation button is used as well, an arrow pointing to the right naturally meaning go on, for example. Pretty simple, but very easy to follow and work with.
It is a quite basic (in terms of production) interactive piece, but it definitely fits when considering it being a story thats interactive ~ an interactive narrative though maybe pushing it a bit! It meets its audience needs by using large, and simple fonts so the children using will be able to read and follow. The pictures are really supplementary to the story, but are symbols to quickly display what in the story is occurring. Surprisingly, there is A LOT of content: 7 chapters. Nonetheless, after going through and experiencing the first chapter you could find the following 6 merely to be repeats and therefore tedious.
Onwards...
What's now important is picking out the recurring techniques used throughout to implement in the planning and creation of my own interactive narrative. Building on all the good points should ultimately mean my work is successful and of good value. Also, I need to think of something worthy of being told, not just a simple A to B piece.
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