233 TIPS ON GRAPHICS AND VISUAL DESIGN Creating content in a regulated industry can be a tough balancing act. Satisfying compliance SMEs and keeping courses engaging for learners at the same time can be a challenge. Breaking up the often text-heavy content with relevant graphics and icons provides the opportunity to evoke interest and response from the learner. Visuals should be simple and relatable for your audience, and they shouldn’t detract from the message or seriousness of the topic. Rather, they should enhance and provide context for the course. When using images, I ask myself some questions: What do I feel when I see it? Does it make the content more understandable? Does seeing the image again help me remember the content? Done well, visuals can trigger emotional responses that have a lasting impact the learner can tie to their memory of the learning, which greatly increases recall and, hopefully, desired performance outcomes. Alicia Blitz, MUFG Union Bank Storyboarding should always be the first step in any design process. The best visual designs don’t just magically happen. They begin with a solid storyboard, which serves as a blueprint of what ultimately should be researched, analyzed, drafted, and then tested. Charlotte Morris, Pepco Holdings Make sure the images you select are familiar to learners and can be used across multiple mediums. For example, you may need to create an online learning module, PowerPoint, and intranet post to get your point across to the learner. When you make these graphics consistent, your learner will more easily connect the dots. Make another connection by using internal talent whenever possible. This helps learners better understand the material by seeing people they recognize and can relate to. Jodi Hinkle, SandRidge Energy Gather all content and information that might be used in a project. Identify the most difficult content, and use that in your initial designs to ensure consistency in your design. Look at how information can be simplified. Utilize feedback loops with your audience members to gather input on what works and what doesn’t at an early stage to assure stakeholders that your vision is the best fit for your audience’s needs. Nick Floro, Sealworks Interactive Studios 22 www.eLearningGuild.com