334 The Journal Search interface

Motive has designed the interface to Learning Media's Journal Search 2000 Plus: a CD-ROM based application enabling teachers and students to search the New Zealand School Journal catalogue.

Motive worked with software developers Moonlight Publishers and Watermark Illustration to create a new look for the 2000 update.

Along with the new interface, this release of the product introduces features requested by users of the earlier version:

• revised searching and sorting features
• introduction of a curriculum search function
• renewable, subscription-based licensing
• complete web-based catalogue updates

Character building

Key to the new interface is the character that leads the user through the application.

‘The pukeko serves a number of purposes,’ explains Andy Kirkwood, creative director. ‘It’s a way-finding aid and also encourages a younger audience to use the application—the character gives the search process a ‘human face’.’

a safe environment for exploring ICT concepts

Kirkwood drew on his experience with new media in education for this project,‘It’s important to keep the needs of your audience in mind.’

While primarily a tool for teachers, the application also supports new curriculum topics—providing a ‘safe’ environment for discussion of information communication technology (ICT) concepts.

Journal Search 2000 Plus was released June 2000.