Hi: Is there any standard where to place instructions on a slide?
I advocate placing instructions on the lower left in italics and a smaller font. Others advocate larger, bolder, centered fonts or underneath the heading.
I feel there is a difference between instructions (essential to the slide) vs. tips which are ancillary and enhance the content.
I don't think that there is one right way to display instructions. Variable such as real-estate, etc. usually dictate where the instructions are placed as well as the size of the font. Regarding tips, you can create a button labeled tips that goes to a layer with the actual content, so that it is hidden until the user wants to see it, or markers are also a good way to display tips. Hope this helps.
Hi Debra. I agree with Donna on the instructions. I don't think there's a standard, per se, as e-learning layouts can vary pretty wildly. That being said, I think the styling of the instructions—the use of italics or a specific accent color, for instance—can help visually prompt learners to take action. It might be worthwhile to spend some time developing an e-learning style guide for things like instructions, tips, etc. so they're formatted somewhat consistently across courses or across a curriculum.
Ideally, you wouldn't have to put instructions on a slide. It should be clear from the design of the slide what is required. Sometimes it happens that instructions are needed on a slide but then on you should be able to eliminate instructions on similar slides.
Thank you, everyone for your response. I will like to follow-up with samples to find out if you think the slides require instructions or not. (Thank you in advance for your opinions).
If you are going to add instructions their placement should be consistent. I sit firmly in the camp where I believe that well designed interactions should not need explanation, if you design your interactive elements correctly it should be obvious what can be interacted with and what cannot.
6 Replies
Hi Debra
I don't think that there is one right way to display instructions. Variable such as real-estate, etc. usually dictate where the instructions are placed as well as the size of the font. Regarding tips, you can create a button labeled tips that goes to a layer with the actual content, so that it is hidden until the user wants to see it, or markers are also a good way to display tips. Hope this helps.
Hi Debra. I agree with Donna on the instructions. I don't think there's a standard, per se, as e-learning layouts can vary pretty wildly. That being said, I think the styling of the instructions—the use of italics or a specific accent color, for instance—can help visually prompt learners to take action. It might be worthwhile to spend some time developing an e-learning style guide for things like instructions, tips, etc. so they're formatted somewhat consistently across courses or across a curriculum.
Ideally, you wouldn't have to put instructions on a slide. It should be clear from the design of the slide what is required. Sometimes it happens that instructions are needed on a slide but then on you should be able to eliminate instructions on similar slides.
I agree with Cary - hopefully it will be obvious.
That said, out of the two options, I like the first one because my eyes aren't going all over the screen.
Thank you, everyone for your response. I will like to follow-up with samples to find out if you think the slides require instructions or not. (Thank you in advance for your opinions).
If you are going to add instructions their placement should be consistent. I sit firmly in the camp where I believe that well designed interactions should not need explanation, if you design your interactive elements correctly it should be obvious what can be interacted with and what cannot.
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