In accordance with one embodiment, a method can be implemented that includes accessing a first data file associated with a first media application program, wherein the first data file includes a first identifier associated with a first designer-specified variable for controlling the first media application program; accessing a second data file associated with a second media application program, wherein the second data file includes a second identifier associated with a second designer-specified variable for controlling the second media application program; receiving with a computer processor the first designer-specified variable; receiving with the computer processor the second designer-specified variable.