Video Help System?

[Geoff Hart <ghart -at- videotron -dot- ca>]

Kevin McGowan wondered: <<We're being asked to produce a series of  
short (1-2 minute) how-to videos using Captivate. The problem I see is  
that our client wants us to create all of these how-to videos and then  
drop them onto their users' PCs in a folder.  I don't see that as an  
effective help-system, as the user/learner will have to manually hunt  
through dozens and dozens of videos to find what they want. I'd like  
to propose a more genuine help system that's easy to use and easy to  
search.>>

Why not do both? That is, create a basic HTMLHelp help system or even  
a simple collection of interlinked HTML pages, with each topic having  
one or more "click here to watch a video of how this works" links?  
That way, you and your colleagues provide the structure that turns a  
random collection of video clips into an integrated, organized help  
system.

The biggest problem with videos (in my experience) is that they always  
run too fast, particularly for long procedures, so I'm forced to view  
and review and re-review the video multiple times. Thus, two tips:  
First, include a written summary of the steps before the link, so that  
you provide an overview of the procedure to "prime" the viewers so  
they know what they'll be seeing. Second, make sure to record the  
video at a slower rate than you'd actually do the work. I don't know  
whether you'll be recording voice narration* (or text subtitles), but  
if you do, make sure to stop at least briefly after each step (or  
provide video controls that let viewers do this themselves) so viewers  
can perform that step before continuing.

* If you do use voice, add subtitles too or make this an optional  
setting. Some of your audience will be deaf or hearing impaired, will  
lack speakers on their computer, or won't be able to hear the  
narration over the noise in their office.

--------------------------------------------------------
Geoff Hart (www.geoff-hart.com)
ghart -at- videotron -dot- ca / geoffhart -at- mac -dot- com
--------------------------------------------------------
***Now available***  _Effective onscreen editing_
(http://www.geoff-hart.com/books/eoe/onscreen-book.htm)

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