Creating narrated videos for user assistance with software

Dr. Martin Block FISTC

EntroStar unit

• Security market• 2-door controller• Entry and exit reader for each door• For mass market, not just specialists• PoE/PoE+• BACnet-enabled

• Windows 8 look-and-feel• Intuitive• SQL database• Detects devices at startup• license is free

EntroWatch (supporting software)

Videos to support key topics

Help facility in EntroWatch

Searchable Help tool

HTML files held in SQL database and ‘indexed’ when database created

Short, snappy Help topics

Help pages (no video)

Initially thought

videos for all topics

Found to be impractical, so videos only for

important or complex topics

More complex

topic with a video

Help pages (with video)

Initial drivers

Videos to supplement

written instructions

Synched soundtrack imperative

Selling point for product

Enhance web

presence eg YouTube

Do away with need

for training

Produce in-house (good

learning)

Get with the times!

Proof of concept (1) – Tools/Deliverables

Tools:

Deliverables:

Animation/Soundtracks – ‘Debut Video Capture Software’ by NCH Software.Editing/Compiled Videos – ‘VideoPad Video Editing Software’ by NCH Software.

AVI files accessible via hot-linked icons at foot of some Help topics. One third of topics ended up with videos.

Proof of concept (2) – Problems

Aero theme

Synching animation/soundtrack

Time/effort/resources

Technical author (!)

Mouse work

Proof of concept (4) – Final concept

1. Assemble list of topics requiring videos.

2. Write scripts for videos.

3. Record soundtracks (*.mp3 files).

4. Cut up scripts into snippets.

5. Prepare for video shoots.

6. Create animation-only videos.

7. Bring script snippets and animations into editing package.

8. Add in title sequences.

9. Match script snippets to animation.

10. Save as compiled *.avi files.

Delivered with an appealing

voice

Scripts - concepts Drive videos, giving them their pace

Warm text, with introductions and

sign-offs

Variety of text to avoid

repetition

Statements rather than

steps

Scripts – first stab

Too much like a recipe with large steps.

Too ‘cold’.

Same phrases within and across scripts (boring).

No clear start and end.

Scripts - Final

Recorded prior to animation

Soundtracks

Gaps between statements

On-the-spot

retakes

Done in private

Used ‘Call-take’ microphone

Preparations (1) – Cut up soundtracks

Preparations (2) – Demo setup

Three EntroStar

units monitorin

g six doors,

each with an entry and an

exit reader

Biotech compan

y

Preparations (3) – Demo setup

Twenty staff in fictional

company

Remsdaq staff:

permission obtained for use of pictures

Database later used

by Remsdaq sales and marketing

Jobs, names, dates of birth...all made up

Video productionPrepare

EntroWatch with a ‘negative’ setup

Judge gaps by

whispering script as you

go along

Pace speed of mouse

Allow time for intro piece and end piece

Avoid abrupt

movementsDummy

runs

‘F’ keys configured to start/end recording

Balance perfection with realism

Video editing - overview

Video editing – detail