You need to realize the key ingredient is control and not the sound and electronic fireworks. Everyone likes control. The Media Lab was formed in 1984 based on Negroponte's vision that all communication technologies were going through a joint metamorphosis which could only be understood properly if treated as a single subject, and only advanced properly if treated as a single craft. He has kept the efforts focused on the human and how humans converse. The way to decide what needs to be done is through exploring the human sensory and cognitive system and the ways that humans most naturally interact.
Multimedia is successful because it reaches many learning styles.
The variety of methods used in multimedia ensures that the content is grounded for the learner in many ways which assists retrieval, retention and application. The multiple impressions assist the memory system so that new information is moved from short term memory into long term memory through maintenance and elaborative rehearsal. Kaleida is the multimedia joint venture between IBM and Apple. The two companies will develop new microprocessors and software needed to move personal computing into the next century. Kaleida will try to expedite the arrival of multimedia computing by making it easier for outside companies to write software that combines video, sound and graphics.