MediaSpace: Interactive Video Paths

Step-by-Step Guide for Creating Interactive Video Paths in MediaSpace

Access MediaSpace

1. Log in to MediaSpace:
   • Open your web browser and log into my.mines.edu with your Mines credentials.
   • Navigate to the MediaSpace tile within my.mines.edu or use the url, mediaspace.mines.edu.
     

Create New Media

1. At the top right, click the Add New dropdown menu.
2. From the dropdown, select Interactive Video.
   

Set Details for Your Interactive Video

1. Add a Name for your interactive video.
2. Write a Description to help viewers understand the purpose of your interactive video.
3. Click the Add Media dropdown to display your My Media gallery.
   
4. Locate the media you want to include and click Add for each video.
   
5. Click Create to begin building your interactive video paths.

Navigate the Video Composer

1. Add Video Nodes: Drag and drop an Empty node to the video composer to add a new video node.
   
2. Select Nodes and Branches: Use the Selection Tool to choose the video nodes or branches.
   
3. Edit a Video Node: Select the video node and click the Pencil icon to edit its properties.
   
4. Duplicate a Video Node: Select the video node and click the Double Square icon.
   
5. Delete a Video Node: Select the video node and click the Trash Can icon.
   
6. Toggle Node Labels: Use the Node Labels icon to hide or show labels.
   
7. Show or Hide Paths: Use the Show Paths icon to view or hide video paths.
   
8. Manage Media: Click Show Media to add or remove videos from the media library.
   
9. Zoom In/Out: Use the Plus or Minus icons to zoom in or out.
   
10. Center the Video Paths: Click the Square (S) icon to center the paths on the video composer.
    

Build the Video Paths

1. Click the Show Media icon in the upper right of the video composer.
   
2. Find the media you want to add and drag it to the video composer.
   
3. Double-click the node name to customize the name of each video node.
   
4. To connect the videos in a path, hover over the right side of a video node, drag the arrow, and drop it onto the next video node.
   
   
5. MediaSpace will automatically create hotspots for viewers to click and navigate between videos. Double-click a video to edit these hotspots.
   
6. Drag and drop the hotspots to the desired location on the video screen.
7. After customizing the hotspots, click the Back Arrow to return to the video paths screen.
   

Customize Hotspots

1. Hotspots can be fully customized, including their style, text, and background.
   
2. Each hotspot video can be edited for start and end times.
   
3. Ensure the hotspots are placed strategically to guide viewers through the interactive paths.

Edit Nodes

1. Double-click any video node to access and edit its properties.
2. Use the Selection Tool to select a hotspot for editing.
   
3. Use the Add, Duplicate, or Delete Hotspot icons to manage hotspots.
   
4. Toggle the Rulers and Guides icon to show or hide rulers and guides for precision.
   
5. Toggle the Timeline Snapping icon to enable snapping to specific points.
   
6. To test the video path, toggle Click-Through Mode to preview how the paths function.
   
7. Adjust the node Properties by editing the name, description, custom data, and source media.
   
8. Set the Behavior to determine what happens when a video node ends (e.g., freeze the video or automatically move to the next node).
   

Publish the Interactive Video

1. Once your interactive video paths are complete, click Save Project to publish the video to make it available to your audience.
   
2. You can share the video directly or embed it within Canvas or other websites, for easy access.

Best Practices for Creating Interactive Video Paths in MediaSpace

1. Plan Your Video Structure in Advance

• Before filming, map out the flow of your interactive video path. Decide where decision points will be and what options viewers will have. Sketch out the paths, including alternative branches and outcomes, to ensure smooth transitions between video nodes.

2. Film with Flexibility in Mind

• When filming, record additional footage to account for various viewer choices. Each video should smoothly transition to any possible next step, so consider filming multiple outcomes and preparing for different viewer interactions. Keep your shots consistent in style and tone to ensure continuity between nodes.

3. Script and Prepare for Hotspots

• Script clear and engaging hotspot prompts to guide viewers through the interactive video. Hotspots should be easy to identify and provide viewers with compelling reasons to explore different paths.

4. Test Your Interactive Video

• Before publishing, thoroughly test all video paths to ensure they function as intended. Make sure that hotspots are visible and accurately link to the correct next node, and that the overall experience flows smoothly for viewers.