The Ken Burns Effect

In my last post I made mention of a great technique a client recently requested, the Ken Burns effect.  According to Wikipedia, this effect became extremely popular and mainstream when the feature was added to the 2003 version of iMovie.  Although, its name has been borrowed from the extremely talented documentary filmmaker who developed this technique.  Basically, the origianl effect uses a video camera to zoom and pan across still images, creating movement as if it were an actual video, it’s pretty amazing.  Especially for old photographs, or paintings in my case.

A special thanks to Ken Burns for creating this effect and Presentation Helper who has developed a great tutorial for how you can apply it to your next presentation.  You can now start turning those image heavy slides into shows that not only provides an even better view of your content but also helps engage your viewer, drawing them into the experience.

Challenge: Microsoft Software on a Mac

While there are always new and great advances coming out in the way of making software compatible across all operating systems. There are a few different things I’ve run across just recently that are a bit frustrating and making me consider writing a letter to the management of Microsoft.

Since I was young I’ve been working on Macs.  Being a designer has only enhanced this obsession of mine.  I feel that Macs provide a better palette to work from and I’m just more comfortable with my Mac.  And, please let me be clear that I have nothing against those who prefer Microsoft. I do however get frustrated when Microsoft makes it difficult to use their supposedly compatible software.

In the past week alone I’ve come across two situations where I’ve been limited because of their “combatible” software:

• Motion Paths: In the Microsoft version of PPT, both 2003 and 2007, exists this great functionality.  And while, it doesn’t get used very often, there are some great applications. For instance, applying a Ken Burns effect.  The ability to zoom and pan within a presentation, creates an amazing way to intrigue your audience, especially when displaying photos or artwork.  The problem arises in that in the Mac versions, 2004 and 2008, of PPT this function is non-existant. And, it’s unclear as to why.  This function should be contained in the “custom animation” section as it is in the Microsoft version, but it’s not. However, if you have access to a Microsoft machine with PPT you can add this, then transfer to your Mac and it will still play, you just won’t be able to modify it.
• Visio: Never before this week have I had a need for Visio. And, you may not even be aware of it.  Visio is a software branded under the Microsoft Office Suite (although it has never been included in Office) that allows you to create vector diagrams. A very useful tool for companies with in-depth processes to explain.  Unfortunately, Visio is not available for Mac.

In these two instances, and a few others mentioned in previous post, I think Microsoft could do a much better job of making their software more “cross-platform.”  The issues above and others mentioned in previous posts and all across the web, could use some attention. Until then, good luck with porting between these two operating systems.  If you have any ideas of ways to combat these challenges, please post below. Or, if you’ve run into other areas where you think improvement could be used, include that too!