When it comes to creating instructional materials, the power of visual design cannot be underestimated. Visual design plays a crucial role in engaging learners and enhancing their understanding of the content. In this project, I explored the impact of visual design in instructional materials and incorporated best practices for incorporating visual design principles into this job aid.
Tools:
Venngage,
GIMP, photo editor
QR Code Generator
Download the project for a closer look.
Colors One of the key aspects of visual design is the use of colors. Colors have the ability to evoke emotions and create a certain mood. When designing instructional materials, it is important to choose colors that are visually appealing and align with the content. For example, using warm colors like red and orange can create a sense of excitement and energy, while cool colors like blue and green can create a calm and peaceful atmosphere. It is also important to consider color contrast to ensure that the text is easily readable.
I created a defined color palette for this project. I selected dark blue as my primary color, paired with light gray for the background. I used black or white as the primary text color for high contrast and to improve readability. A salmon pink was used to draw attention to direct users to specific instructions or to call out specific features on the Litter Robot.
Fonts
Fonts are another important element of visual design. The choice of fonts can greatly impact the readability and overall aesthetic of the instructional materials. It is recommended to use clear and legible fonts that are easy to read, especially for longer passages of text. Additionally, using different font sizes and styles can help to emphasize important information and create visual hierarchy. West et al., (2020) stated that fonts can add or “reduce visual clutter by controlling how many typefaces and styles of fonts are used in a single design.” In this project, I selected two typefaces. I used Muli for my headings and Roboto for the main text.
Images
Incorporating images into instructional materials can enhance the learning experience. Images have the ability to convey complex information in a simple and visually appealing way. When selecting images, it is important to choose high-quality and relevant visuals that support the content. Additionally, using icons and illustrations can help to break up text-heavy sections and make the materials more visually engaging. In this project, I used images to demonstrate how to change a self-cleaning litter box.
Layout
The layout of instructional materials is another important aspect of visual design. A well-organized and visually pleasing layout can make it easier for learners to navigate and understand the content. It is important to use consistent formatting, spacing, and alignment throughout the materials. Breaking up the content into smaller sections with headings and subheadings can also help to improve readability and comprehension. In this project, you will notice the content used headings and subheadings to break up the content and improve the readability for learners. The formatting, spacing, and alignment is consistent throughout the document.
Reflection
Reflecting on my work since I created this project, I've seen growth in my understanding and application of visual design principles in both my school and work projects. Initially, my grasp of these concepts was limited, but through practice and continuous learning, I've developed a deeper appreciation for the role of visuals in enhancing learning experiences. I've learned to thoughtfully incorporate visual elements such as color, typography, and layout to convey information effectively and engage learners.
Continued Learning
Moving forward, I am committed to improving my skills in visual design by staying updated on industry trends, attending webinars and workshops, seeking feedback from peers and experts, and exploring new tools and techniques. Through continued learning opportunities, I am confident that I will continue to evolve as a visual designer in instructional design, ultimately enhancing the quality and impact of my work.
References
West, D., Allman, B., Hunsaker, E., & Kimmons, R. (2020). Visual Aesthetics: The Art of Learning. In R. Kimmons & S.Caskurlu (Eds.), The Students' Guide to Learning Design and Research. EdTech Books. https://edtechbooks.org/studentguide/visual_aesthetics
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