February 1997 — Features
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Design Standards for Visual Elements and Interactivity for Courseware
Computer-based training is a proven method for delivering high-impact, cost-effective training solutions. More and more education, instruction, and training development organizations are utilizing state-of-the-art authoring technology, storyboarding and digital storytelling techniques to design and create comfortable, positive learning environments where the learner is engaged through meaningful scenarios and activities. The learner's retention increases substantially as the subject matter becomes more meaningful and non-threatening.
Yet creating multimedia takes more than just the right hardware and software. Because learners will be relying more and more on computer-based training to acquire or refresh skills, the interactive courseware developer should establish and adhere to a set of specifications that will be the standard throughout the design and development of the graphical user interface for each interactive course or lesson. The author has limited the focus of this article to visual element considerations associated with the use of video, text, graphics, animation and interactivity in multimedia courseware.
Video Considerations
Video can be a significant component in the development of interactive courseware (ICW). Considerations when utilizing video include:
