Digital Content Creation Software Needs New Face to Go Mainstream

Jon Peddie Research, www.jonpeddie.com, says thatdespite the continued refinement and increased power of digital contentcreation applications, this market will not break out of its currentstagnancy until interfaces become more consumer and artist-friendly.The report, Digital Content Creation Software Market, provides anoverview and forecast of the market for 3D and 2D animation, audioediting and compositing, digital video editing and compositing, DVDauthoring, dynamic/interactive content authoring, and graphics andimage editing software.

The study forecasts a growth market for easier to use "consumergrade" applications.

"More filters, effects and features are not the keys to futuresuccess," according to JPR analyst Jared Vishney, author of the study."Easier to use and more consumer and artist-friendly interfaces willdrive market growth. The mouse was not designed as an artist's tool.Until there is simplified workflow and easy metaphor for a 'digitalscrapbook' for all content formats, mainstream consumers will resistpurchasing digital content creation tools," says Vishney.

The worldwide market for DCC software in 2001 was just over $2billion, according to the study. That represents a decline fromprevious years, partially due to the economic downturn. In addition,functionality found in professional tools that used to cost tens ofthousands of dollars five years ago now sells for less than $5,000. Thedecreasing ASPs for DCC technology have put very powerful tools withinreach of consumers.