Interactive Narratives

Everything I learned, I learned from a story.

Story telling is everywhere.  Stories help us to engage, to express ourselves and to connect with one another.

Good story-telling is the road to great communication.  But, what makes a story great? 

A great story-teller must know the audience needs.   The hierarchy of human needs ranges from basic subsistence to complete interaction. 

Knowing your audience and where they are within the spectrum of needs will help to frame the story you have to offer.  But, a great story-teller must also know an audience’s pain points.  What has brought the audience to this particular time and place?  What issue or issues are you addressing that will make their life easier?

 

Once you have identified needs and pain points, expand the story potential.  Create a flexible experience to engage a larger audience.  This is where interactive narratives can excel.

When we look at an interactive narrative we can grow beyond a typical narrative model.  In the interactive space we must observe, explore, modify and then reciprocate.  Building an interactive narrative allows us to expand the possibilities and consider so much more.   Observe the audience, how do they act, what do they view and click and then explore with the audience.  Modify your concept, do not put on blinders and assume your solution is correct and does not need adjustment.  Leave space to think and create and finally be sure to reciprocate.  Offer back to the user what they give to you.  Acknowledge and grow.

Finally, consider Marshall McLuhen’s famous words “The medium is the message”.  

Although first published in 1964, This quote could not be more applicable to today’s world.  Each medium; desktop, tablet, television, paperback, has unique advantages.  Capitalizing on the medium and all that it can offer will elevate story-telling to new heights.