Clients

Overview

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) provides information to millions of users each day over the web, in print, and through other means. NCI is constantly looking for ways to understand how those users seek information, and how to improve access to information. NCI's Communication Technologies Branch (CTB) designs, developments, and evaluates communication technologies that enhance the presentation and dissemination of NCI's products and services.

Objectives

NCI produces a vast amount of content daily including research articles, reference materials, and presentations. NCI's Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences (DCCPS) chose to research and pilot web presentation technologies that would enhance dissemination of information captured during live events. By doing so, they would reduce costs associated with distributing information and increase cancer knowledge transfer.

Requirements

• Web presentation market research and tool evaluation
• Production of analog to digital content
• Development of a multimedia web delivery platform utilizing Microsoft .NET technologies
• In-depth usability studies on multimedia delivery interface design
• Development of a self service web presentational authoring tool application
• Creation and presentation of knowledge transfer sessions through NCI seminars
• Dissemination of content via CD-ROM

Solution Description

Technologies Implemented:

• Custom developed web delivery platform using Microsoft .Net components with XML
• Custom developed client application for multimedia creation using C# and Microsoft .Net
• SQL Server 2000 database platform

Process

VMD business analysts and developers facilitated meetings with NCI to determine project requirements and objectives. In conjunction with thorough market and technical research, these Joint Requirements and Definition (JRD) meetings allowed the VMD development team to implement and roll out a customized eLearning platform. VMD's applications underwent numerous rounds of structured usability testing to enhance the ability of these tools to meet the needs of the NCI user community.

Results

VMD has supported CTB in this mission through a multi-year engagement focusing on Web Presentation Solutions. In addition to supporting CTB, VMD is implementing reusable technologies developed through its work with CTB for other divisions within NCI.