A Return to the Linear Experience
Projeqt - A Linear Reading Experience
If the iPad and the tablet movement itself have done nothing else for the way we consume content, they’ve certainly reinvigorated a trend towards a linear reading experience. For almost 15 years there have been digital tools that create a linear reading experience (see Texterity or NxtBook), but these are stale and old models for a linear reading experience. Then recently, Josh Cole introduced me to Projeqt.
A Tablet-Friendly Linear Digital Experience
Projeqt is awesome! It’s in its very early Beta phase, and I was lucky enough to be invited to participate. The concept is simple: create a really nice tablet-friendly linear multimedia experience.
What’s really great about working in Projeqt is that I can use existing online elements to build context and a story around my digital universe. I can import Flickr photos and Vimeo videos. I can import RSS feeds. All of this can be contextualized into a bounded linear story.
Here’s a quick tutorial video from the guys at Projeqt that’ll give you a good idea of how it works:
The Benefits of Bounded Linear Content
I’ve been working with the team at Zmags lately on understanding some of the benefits of a linear narrative. They talk a lot about the fact that when a browsing audience knows that there is a finite amount of content (page 1/15) it actually engages the consumer for a longer branded experience. This kind of longer stay with deeper content is really valuable when you consider that the limitless linking of the web may actually encourage shorter brand engagement.
Think about how you can build a linear narrative with your disperate web world to create an engaging linear experience.
If you’re curious, here’s my test using Projeqt. (I know, there’s no real story, but I thought you might find it interesting.)
About The Internet Cosmonaut
Our Chief Strategy Officer is constantly searching for new ways to build online relationships by creating, distributing, and promoting valuable content. Each week, Drew Davis will introduce you to one of the new channels he’s found as he dashes around the online universe.
He’ll help you understand, as a marketer, how you can use it (or how you shouldn’t use it) to market your products or services more effectively and efficiently. If you have a new tool you’d like Drew to review, send us a comment!
Well said, Drew!
The benefits of the linear narrative are probably one of the most underestimated aspects of online marketing. Sometimes your content works better when you add strict navigation barriers to it rather than letting readers chose their own paths.
Telling a good story never goes out of fashion.
Joakim,
Thanks so much for commenting. You are absolutely right. Good storytelling never goes out of fashion.
Drew