Post on 18-Jun-2015
description
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