Slide design (or screen design) is crucial for Instructional designers as they craft impactful learning experiences. But as the age-old saying goes, “A picture is worth a thousand words.” The visual aspect of course content, mainly slides or screens, is integral to learners’ engagement and comprehension. This is where Garr Reynolds’ ‘Presentation Zen’ comes to our rescue. It explains the art of creating memorable and effective presentations.
To learn more, you can either read the blog or watch the video below.
Simplicity Is the Key: Keep Slide Design Simple
In “Presentation Zen”, Reynolds champions the idea of simplicity. For instructional designers, this translates to:
- Limit text on slides: Learners shouldn’t read slides; they should listen and understand. Use keywords or short phrases.
- Prioritize clarity: Eliminate unnecessary elements. The focus should be on the learning objective, not distractions.
Create a Natural Flow: This Is Also an Instructional Design Best Practice
Reynolds emphasizes the importance of a natural, logical flow in presentations. Make sure your content and slides flow well from one topic to another.
- Sequential learning: Present your information logically. Start from foundational concepts and move to complex ones.
- Transition smoothly: Use clear and consistent transitions between slides to maintain the learner’s engagement.
Contrast to Highlight: Use Contrast to Draw Attention
High contrast isn’t just visually appealing—it draws attention. Use high-contrast designs with the following tips:
- Visual hierarchy: Use size, color, and placement to signify the importance of elements.
- Balance visuals: Don’t let images overpower text or vice versa. Ensure there’s harmony in the visual weight.
- Choose the right combination of colors: Use high-contrast designs and colors while ensuring they don’t introduce accessibility challenges. This is because certain high-contrast combinations can be difficult to read for some individuals.
Embrace Empty Space: Ensures Slide Design Aids Learning
White space, or negative space, isn’t wasted space.
- Breathe: Allow elements on your slides room to breathe. It improves readability and reduces cognitive load.
- Focus attention: Using white space effectively can guide the learner’s eye to the most crucial parts of your slide.
Integrate Meaningful Images: Use Visuals That Support Learning and Instructional Design Strategy
Reynolds is a firm believer in the power of images to convey a story.
- Relevance is crucial: Use images that directly support the learning content. Every image should have a purpose.
- Opt for high-quality visuals: Grainy or stretched images can distract learners and appear unprofessional.
Avoid Overuse of Bullet Points: Use On-Slide Bullets to Support Instructional Design Strategy
While bullet points can be helpful, they can also turn a slide into a tedious read.
- Infographics and charts: Consider transforming bullet points into engaging visuals.
- Narrative flow: Sometimes, a short narrative or a case study can replace a list and make the learning more contextually rich.
Limit Distractions: Avoid Redundant Elements to Keep the Slide Design Clean and Keep the Focus on Learning
Every element on a slide should support the learning objective.
- Avoid flashy animations: Unless they’re integral to the learning, minimize the use of animations.
- Consistent design: Use a consistent colour palette, font, and design style throughout the course to keep learners focused on the content.
Engage with Stories: Use Instructional Design Strategies That Use Scenarios and Stories to Engage Learners
Reynolds often talks about the impact of stories in presentations.
- Scenario-based learning: Create scenarios or stories where learners can see the application of the knowledge.
- Real-world examples: These can make abstract concepts tangible and relatable.
- Encourage Story Sharing: In Instructor-led Training (ILT), or virtual vILTs, encourage learners to share stories related to their experiences, wherever applicable.
Conclusion: Slide Design Lessons from Presentation Zen for Instructional Design
Creating effective course slides isn’t about cramming information but curating a visual experience that facilitates comprehension and retention. By applying the wisdom of ‘Presentation Zen’, instructional designers can craft informative but also engaging and memorable courses. Happy designing!
Reference: https://www.garrreynolds.com/books
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