Preparing the Viewer to Act
In a standard film, the audience can remain in a state of passive reception. However, an interactive film requires the viewer to be ready to switch from a passive to an active mode at a moment’s notice. The interactive cue is a crucial piece of user interface (UI) design that serves as a bridge between these two states. Its purpose is to subtly signal to the audience that a decision point is imminent, preventing the user choice moment from feeling jarring or abrupt. It’s a ‘get ready’ signal that allows the viewer to prepare to make a choice without being pulled out of the story completely.
Implementation and Design
An effective interactive cue must be noticeable but not distracting. It needs to become a learned signal for the audience over the course of the viewing experience. Common implementations include:
- Visual Icon: A small, often semi-transparent icon may appear in a corner of the screen a few seconds before the choice prompt is displayed. The icon might glow or animate gently to draw the eye.
- Auditory Signal: A specific, recurring sound effect or musical sting can be used to herald an approaching choice. The audience quickly learns to associate this sound with the need to interact.
- Letterboxing: The aspect ratio of the screen might subtly shift, with black bars appearing at the top and bottom, signaling a shift into an interactive mode.
In Netflix’s interactive titles, a common cue is a simple icon that fades in at the bottom of the screen. The consistency of this cue across different titles helps to create a standardized ‘language’ of interaction for the platform.
The Importance of Onboarding
The first few times an interactive cue appears in a film are a critical ‘onboarding’ phase. This is where the film teaches the audience the rules of engagement. The initial cues might be more pronounced or accompanied by a brief tutorial message. As the audience becomes familiar with the signal, the cues can become more subtle, integrating more seamlessly into the cinematic experience. A well-designed system of cues ensures that the technology of interaction empowers the story rather than overshadowing it, allowing the viewer to remain as immersed as possible while still participating in the narrative.