Semantic-based support for the semi-automatic construction of multimedia presentations

This paper explores the interdependencies between userdetermined interaction in the authoring process of the complex multimedia presentation and the semantic descriptions of tasks and content that allow active system support for the user during the various process phases. The domain we have chosen is the one of the fine arts. The process phases in which we are particularly interested include events such as decision making about form and function, establishing the logical structure, material collection and selection. We introduce the design of an experimental framework for semi-automatic authoring, SampLe. This exploits large mediaaware semantic spaces through semantic-sensitive authoring methods to support users mainly during the early stages of presentation design. We discuss the relations between interactionbased interface design for the system and the underlying semantic structures.