The Evolving State of the Art CD-ROM: The National Museum of American Art and Les Impressionistes

Abstract

The present paper analyzes two prominent art history-based CD-ROMs published in 1996 and 1997, and suggests trends in the information and interface design of cultural multimedia programs. It reviews first- and second-generation feature sets, and assesses the initial impact of object-oriented programming. Both CD-ROMs are described in detail, and their interfaces and navigational structures appraised. Other questions treated include the virtues and pitfalls of hyperlinking, the audience for such ambitious projects, the impact of market dynamics, and potential transferability to the WorldWide Web.