Projected Media Recommendations

Ball State University Department of Technology Muncie, IN 47306
Consider the following guidelines/recommendations when designing/developing projected media:
1.	Content When designing projected media all graphic and verbal elements should be checked for accuracy and selected based upon their ability to support presentation objectives. Selected content recommendations / guidelines include:
	a.	Insuring the content reflected in each visual is accurate.
	b.	Appropriately citing all graphic and verbal elements.
	c.	Using an outline (e.g., storyboard) of the presentation to guide presentation development.
	d.	Providing content related visual stimulus as part of the visuals design.
	e.	Supporting identified learner / audience needs.
2.	Arrangement To enhance the effectiveness of a visual the graphic and verbal elements should be arranged to focus the learner's or audience's attention, and clearly communicate the intended message. Selected arrangement recommendations / guidelines include:
	a.	Insuring that all important text and visual elements fit into a working area of 6" X 8". (e.g., In PowerPoint working area can be viewed by going to "View" and placing a check by the "Ruler".)
	b.	Text and visual elements arranged and presented to support the message. Carefully examine:
		(1)	The properties of all visual and verbal elements (e.g., They should be balanced and focus the learner's attention on the intended message.).
		(2)	Graphic elements (e.g., pictures of people, animals, etc.) should be arranged to face the message -- not away from it.
		(3)	The unity of the projection (e.g., All elements should combine to function as a unit.).
	c.	The arrangement of all graphic and verbal elements (e.g., "Keep it simple silly.").
	d.	Designing visuals that support one idea/concept, and grab and hold the learner's attention.
	e.	Graphic and verbal elements that are proportional to each other.
	f.	The arrangement of graphic and verbal elements so that each element is clearly legible when projected in the intended environment.
3.	Color When selecting colors for a particular visual, the designer should take into consideration the psychological effects of color and how well different colors project. Selected color recommendations / guidelines include:
	a.	Insuring that all graphic and text colors project well. Things to consider include:
		(1)	Realism (e.g., Realism can be increased by using actual colors -- an orange orange).
		(2)	The use of color to emphasize similarities or differences in objects.
		(3)	Using color to highlight important information.
		(4)	The use of color to create a particular mood or feeling.
		(5)	An assessment of how well selected colors project onto the screen. Be sure to check colors in the environment where the visuals will be used. Blacks, reds, and dark blues normally project well on white backgrounds.
	b.	Achieving graphic harmony by:
		(1)	Using colors and fonts selectively (e.g., Harmony is lost if too many colors, fonts, or font styles are used.).
		(2)	Using supporting colors.
		(3)	Using background and foreground elements that support the message instead of distracting from the message.
		(4)	Avoiding excessive repetition and monotony (e.g., When one method or element is overused.).
4.	Mechanics Visual mechanics involve the technical details and simplicity of arrangement associated with practical visual design principles. Selected mechanics recommendations / guidelines include:
	a.	Following the KISS principle -- "Keep it simple silly." (e.g., Simple, well designed visuals often clearly communicate content in a direct, intelligible, uncomplicated format. While complex or highly involved visuals may look neat, but may not communicate effectively.)
	b.	Keeping the number of words to a minimum. Usually no more than 18 words per visual. Remember, visuals should not be a lesson in reading. Extended text should be provided in the form of a handout..
	c.	Insuring all graphic and text elements are professional in nature and project well.
	d.	Checking to insure all text elements are legible (e.g., Serif for text [i.e., Times New Roman] and Sans Serif fonts for headings [i.e., Arial]), bold, 36 point or larger fonts.
	e.	Keeping the number of bulleted items to a maximum of six.
	f.	Reinforcing the connection between bulleted items and the title by making bullets the same color as the title.
	g.	Using a horizontal slide format with a 6" X 8" working area.
	h.	Selectively using templates. A template that requires a lot of background color should not be used for a transparency, because it requires the printer to lay down too much ink and may hinder the transparency's ability to be projected effectively.
	i.	Using punctuation correctively. The guidelines for correct punctuation should be followed (i.e., In most instances punctuation is not placed after single words, short phrases, or incomplete sentences.).
	j.	Reducing the amount of reading and emphasizing key points by using short phrases rather than complete sentences.
	k.	Designing visuals or slide presentations that do not "over use" special effects such as animations, transitions, templates, sounds, videos, graphics, etc. Remember, their purpose (e.g., sounds or animations) is to support learning, not to entertain or irritate the learner.
5.	Treatment The purpose of using a visual is to support the message and help the presenter achieve his/her objective(s). This often involves certain treatments (e.g., techniques, actions or strategies). The overriding theme in the design of any form of instructional media is that it provides the appropriate visual stimulus to support learning. Everything else is secondary. However, it is through the treatment of the color and balance of the graphic and verbal elements, that you develop visuals that effectively communicate. Selected treatment recommendations / guidelines include:
	a.	Insuring the treatment or visual's design and content supports the intended message.
	b.	Using the visual's design to provide appropriate visual stimulus to support learning.
	c.	Using each visual to emphasize one idea.
	d.	Creating dynamic visuals that support the message while grabbing and holding the audience's attention.
	e.	Supporting text elements with appropriate visuals (e.g., clip art, scanned images, digital pictures, drawings, charts, etc.).
	f.	Checking to see that all verbal and graphic elements are legible, easily seen and recognizable.
	g.	Normally, not placing text elements on top of graphic elements. This includes the use of animations that would have the text flying across a graphic element.


Developed by: Dr. Ray Shackelford Department of Technology Ball State University, Muncie, IN Please report suggested corrections and/or additions to rshackelford@bsu.edu ©Ray Shackelford 10/25/07