A lot of times the most efficient development techniques are discovered only after the project's completed. And that makes sense, considering how many courses are built under tight deadlines.

That's where rapid prototyping can help designers keep projects moving, while providing the space to try out ideas. The Technology Overview section in the LINGOS course is a great example of prototyping during development.

Early in the project, we decided to insert Engage as a Flash movie. This created a slick way to present the Tabs Interactions, but it didn't leave much room for the icon buttons. We were also waiting on additional content topics from the client. This meant we wouldn't have a final topic count until close to launch.

After the project was developed, we could revisit some of our decisions and re-work the areas that would make future updates easier.

Check out the following screencasts and source files to see the multiple ways the icon structure could be built. Keep in mind there's no right way to build it. Try each method and work with the one that fits your workflow.

Icon Navigation Techniques

Screencasts and source files

Version 1: Hyperlinked icons copied to each slide

Version 2: Hyperlinked icons placed on Slide Master w/active slide icon copied on single slides

Version 3: Hyperlinked icons and active slide icon placed on Slide Master using single graphic

Post written by David Anderson

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David Anderson
Steve Shoemaker
Steve Shoemaker
David Anderson
David Anderson
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