Linear active content progresses often without any navigational control for the viewer such as a cinema presentation Non-linear uses interactivity to control progress as with a video game or self-paced computer-based training. Hypermedia is an example of non-linear content.

1. Linear
active content progresses often without any navigational control for the viewer such as a cinema
presentation
Non-linear
uses interactivity to control progress as with a video game or self-paced computer-based training.
Hypermedia is an example of non-linear content.
What Is Linear Vs NonlinearMultimedia?
Linear and non-linear multimedia are two different categories that are applicable to the world of
multimedia. The main difference is that linear multimedia does not feature any sort of
navigational abilities. The linear multimedia will go from the start all the way through to the
finish without variation. Non-linear media is the opposite; it doesn't follow that one-way
structure and instead allows free movement around all aspects of the multimedia in any order.
What does the term 'multimedia' refer to?
Multimedia refers to all types of media that are available to people through all the different
mediums available. These include audio, video, animation, still imagery, text and interactivity.
Multimedia in context: An example
One of the best examples of non-linear multimedia would be the Internet. It is a network of
websites that are all connected and users can navigate from one webpage to the next without any
sort of order or structure required. The Internet would be very frustrating to use if it was to
follow a linear structure.
However - a multimedia presentation would follow more of a linear structure. This is because it
would give the presentation a chronological order and a lot more focus than if the presenters
were dotting around the presentation at random. A non-linear format would not be all that
beneficial in these circumstances.
There are benefits and drawbacks to both categories of multimedia. The most effective way to
approach multimedia is to use both categories when the scenario is appropriate. By targeting
your multimedia in the correct structure you ensuring that it is as effective as possible.

2. Linear- Example
Wikipedia is linear multimedia as it doesn’t allow for much interaction, it is mainly used for
conveying information.
Twitch is also another example of linear multimedia.
Non-Linear Example
Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim is a non-linear type of multimedia as it is interactive and allows the
user/player to have an input. Skyrim has different types of multimedia embedded into it. For
example, Skyrim will have; audio, video, animation, text, interactivity and image multimedia
inside of it.

3. Skype is also a non-linear multimedia as it allows for user input and has interactivity. Skype
consists of; video, audio, interactivity, image and text multimedia.