233 TIPS ON GRAPHICS AND VISUAL DESIGN One way we keep our courses fresh is by gleaning inspiration from another industry with similar objectives and challenges. Web design is a very relatable industry. Like instructional designers, web designers must continuously evolve to make their audience remember what they want them to remember and to encourage focus on the main points of a site. We also have to consider constraints of space and time, and we have to be able to measure effectiveness. Take a look at websites that feature award-winning designs. Look at the typeface, color schemes, navigation, and menu design to see if there is a new trend or idea that you can use as inspiration for your next project. Additionally, the web design industry has a strong handle on the increasing demand for visual storytelling, and there are many websites that compel users to explore the contents through storytelling and compelling images. They may use simple graphics or beautiful photography, but either can be powerful in increasing the engagement of the learner with your content. Laurie Goslee, BKD As designers, we are often overloaded with all the changes that are occurring in our industry, from new technologies to new design styles to new ways of conveying text. One design tip that is quick and easy to remember is the value of illustration—which is often thought of as a “cartoon” look. Why is this impactful? Well, take a moment to think about the range of photographs and images that surround us every day: selfies, Snapchat, Facebook, billboards, movies, YouTube. Photography dominates our professional and personal lives. For this reason, illustration stands out. It is visually different from images that participants see every day. The result? A more engaging training. Quick tip: Maximize your illustrations to convey your message, and add minimal text. Text should only complement the visual. Remember, when it comes to text, less is more! Lisa Von Bargen, TEKsystems I tend to do a lot of sketching early on, but other directors may have a different approach and get similar results. Continue to learn from one another and share! Shane Donahue, SweetRush 51 www.eLearningGuild.com