'Rich media' is a broad phrase, with different meanings to different people. The key idea behind anything that might be called a 'rich medium' or 'rich media' is dynamic motion or noticeable change that occurs on the screen of a website, client-server application or 'client side' (just runs on one computer) application. Hypermedia links are a simple form of rich media...clicking on a link causes a new page or window to display.
Hypermedia links have been around for so long that we don't usually think of them as rich media. Rich media today typically involve interactive presentation files embedded in a web page. These media contain every possible permutation of text, audio, static images and photos, video, visual screen effects and so forth.
By far, the most well-known and commonly used rich media tools today are are: RealPlayer, Microsoft Media Player, Apple QuickTime, Macromedia Flash/Shockwave and AJAX (stands for asynchronous JavaScript and XML). This portfolio itself makes extensive use of Flash/Shockwave to display videos that actually reside on another video server somewhere, generally one of YouTube's (YouTube is covered as part of 'Social Media' section of the portfolio.).
All use of rich media embellish a website or interactive application. Only well-designed usage enhances the value of a website or application. Poorly used or gratuitous rich media usage either adds no value or may even detract from a website's or application's perceived and actual value.
Rich Media Usage Demonstrations
Use the video player below to select any of the 6 examples of rich media usage, all from projects in which Don Rickert was significantly involved.