I really like the checklists you've included in your Novice Thumbnail and the section summary in the Expert Thumb. I'm a little unsure about the vertical rule you have on the right-hand side of your Expert Thumb though. It kind of draws my eye right to it because it's the only vertical thing on the page. I wonder if you could put the Step Results info into a box to set it off instead and let the white space of a gutter (the space b/t the columns) create the separation for you instead. You might also consider flipping the typefaces you used in your headers with the one you used in your body texts. Generally, a sans-serif font like you used in the body is best for headers and a serif for the body.
I really like where you're going with this. I think you've got a really good layout for your instructions and that you've also got a good distribution of color to really make the document stand out and catch the user's attention. I also really like how you've distinguished the novice user from the experienced user. I think your usage of a "check list", among other features, shows this distinction very clearly. I also like your usage of headers at the top of each page. I think this really adds to the professional look of the document. I'll be sure to include such a header, or footer, with my final instructional package.
Submitted by Nathaniel on Sun, 03/08/2009 - 15:55.
I have a few comments and suggestions:
Your graphics seem to be well selected. They are, however, a little grainy (you might play with the resolution here).
Do you plan on supplementing your graphics with elements that will focus the user's attention (circles, arrows, highlights, etc.)?
Are you comfortable with the 8.5 x 11 page size? Do you think that is appropriate for both sets of users? (This is a genuine question.)
I appreciate how the design of your instruction sets reflects the different audiences. The checklist in particular seems to account for how the users will need to use the instructions. It gives such novice users a distinct way of using the instructions. I do worry a little about how text-heavy both sets look at this point, but that may change as you begin to flesh-out these thumbnails.
Remember to continue to focus (as you already are) on creating sets that differ in kind rather than degree.
Good Ideas!
I really like the checklists you've included in your Novice Thumbnail and the section summary in the Expert Thumb. I'm a little unsure about the vertical rule you have on the right-hand side of your Expert Thumb though. It kind of draws my eye right to it because it's the only vertical thing on the page. I wonder if you could put the Step Results info into a box to set it off instead and let the white space of a gutter (the space b/t the columns) create the separation for you instead. You might also consider flipping the typefaces you used in your headers with the one you used in your body texts. Generally, a sans-serif font like you used in the body is best for headers and a serif for the body.
Kristin
Good work
I really like where you're going with this. I think you've got a really good layout for your instructions and that you've also got a good distribution of color to really make the document stand out and catch the user's attention. I also really like how you've distinguished the novice user from the experienced user. I think your usage of a "check list", among other features, shows this distinction very clearly. I also like your usage of headers at the top of each page. I think this really adds to the professional look of the document. I'll be sure to include such a header, or footer, with my final instructional package.
Graphics and Thumbnails instructor feedback: Ben
I have a few comments and suggestions: