In the very early stages of vision—before we're really conscious of it—our perceptual processes are humming away, attempting to organize the sensory data from vision into something that is meaningful. … [Read more...]
The Visual Design of Checklists
Job Aid Design for Performance Support
In a previous article, I wrote about the benefits of using checklists for performance support. But what about the visual design of a checklist that fits your needs? Consider that the visual design of … [Read more...]
21 Ways to Improve Your Infographics
The Instructional Design of Infographics
Effective infographics reduce the barriers to understanding. They make information and data accessible by condensing it into something manageable. They help us overcome our limitations in … [Read more...]
Best Stock Music and Sound Effects For Multimedia Projects
Updated for 2020
Music A musical introduction is one of many ways to attract an audience's attention. Music also sets the mood and potentially adds a professional flair to your work. This doesn't mean music should … [Read more...]
How To Establish A Visual Hierarchy in eLearning
Guiding the Learner's Attention
An important dimension of eLearning is communication through the elements on the screen—the visual elements, text, and graphic space. The arrangement of these elements transmits a secondary message … [Read more...]
Use Visual Cues To Enhance Learning
Directing Attention with Visual Cues
When you design or create an informative graphic, do you help the viewer quickly understand it? Do you purposefully direct the viewers' eyes to the elements that are most meaningful? This is important … [Read more...]
How To Use Icons In eLearning
Download 40 Icon Resources Updated 2022
I have a scandalous confession to make. I'm in love with icons. I think they are brilliant. I love the way icons distill an object or concept to its essence. If you're looking for new ways to get your … [Read more...]
Text-To-Speech Software For eLearning
Big changes are coming to the world of text-to-speech (TTS). Whereas one time the voices came off as completely robotic, AI technology is improving their sound. I highly admire and appreciate the … [Read more...]
5 Steps To A PowerPoint Redesign For eLearning
Did you ever want a consistent process for a PowerPoint redesign? PowerPoint slides are often the currency exchanged between subject matter experts and instructional designers. These slides are … [Read more...]
The Art Of Writing Great Voice Over Scripts
Remember all those essays and reports you wrote in school? They were written for a teacher to silently read. They were rarely read aloud. Fast forward to the world of work where you are responsible … [Read more...]
Five Free Image Editors Worth Trying For eLearning
What is an image editor? An application for creating graphics and for manipulating and enhancing photos. The basic functionality of an image editor includes resizing, cropping, lighting adjustments, … [Read more...]
How to Improve Your Visual Design Skills
Visual Design for eLearning and Slides
As a learning professional, if you haven't focused on or studied visual design it may seem like a mysterious process. How can you ever improve when you don't understand what it entails? I teach visual … [Read more...]