Multimediën

Multimediën is a Dutch-language term used to refer to works or systems that combine several distinct media forms, such as text, still imagery, sound, video, animation, and interactive elements. The term highlights integration of multiple modalities to convey information or provide experience.

Derived from the English multimedia and the Latin roots multi- and medium, multimediën emphasizes the combination of multiple media channels. In Dutch spellings, multimediën can appear as a plural form in discussions of different multimedia works; in general usage the English loanword multimedia is also common.

Multimediën emerged with advances in computing, storage, and display capabilities in the late 20th century. Early examples were computer-based encyclopedias and CD-ROMs; with the growth of the Web and mobile devices, multimedia became central to digital publishing, e-learning, games, and interactive art. The concept has evolved to include interactive or non-linear hypermedia experiences and, more recently, immersive technologies such as augmented and virtual reality.

Core characteristics include integration of varied content types, interactivity, non-linearity, and user control over navigation. Applications span education and training, journalism and storytelling, marketing and advertising, digital art, product interfaces, and entertainment. Designing multimediën requires considerations of accessibility, bandwidth, licensing, and user experience.

Related terms include multimedia, hypermedia, interactive media, and cross-media storytelling. The concept remains a central idea in discussions of digital media, media production, and information design.