Instructional Video: Aping Apple's Banner Text

[Mike Risner]

I created a short instructional video in which I use Xara to create text that looks like the iOS banner on the Apple Web site.

http://ferocioustech.com/learning

If you have a little bit of time, I'd really value anyone's critique. My idea is to create a series of short instructional videos aimed at beginners (graphics, Web mail, etc.). Given I'd like to spread the word about Xara, I want to use my site to show new users how great the drawing software is.

[gwpriester]

It was probably a lot harder to do in Illustrator (for the Apple designers).

Great video Mike.

[angelize]

Very nicely done, next time though if your screenrecording software will allow you to, perhaps think about disabling the mouse clicks. Also, I know it's a bit more work and takes a bit of rehearsal and finding a quiet time to record isn't always easy but I find videos with audio are much easier to learn from.

[Boy]

Thanks for the tut. I agree with Angelize about the clicks. If you don't want to add spoken instructions & explanations you could add some 'inspirational' background music.

[Rik]

Aside from finding the 'clicks' a bit annoying, I think that some written on-screen instructions at certain points would really help.

On the web site, you've indicated that the level is 'Beginner'.
I think a beginner would struggle to follow some of the things you do.
How would a beginner know that you did a SHIFT+click to select the black rectangle and the lettering?

That's what I mean by some on-screen instructions at important places would help.

[Mike Risner]

Thank you all for the great feedback!

Gary: Every graphics program is harder to use than Xara.

angelize, Boy & Rik: The lack of a voice track to guide new users through the steps was bothering me a bit. I'll probably re-do the video soon and walk the viewer through the steps. A key point that would not be obvious to a new user is why converting to an editable shape is critical along with how to use the Ctrl key to control the angle of the elliptical transparency. Also, I might create a 1-to-5 continuum to indicate difficulty level. And I will get rid of the click sounds, since no one cared for them.

Meanwhile, I'm trying to create a list of beginner to easier-intermediate tasks for upcoming videos.

Thanks again to everyone who took the time to provide feedback, and I hope everyone has a great holiday season!

--Mike.

[Scotty]

Hi,
As an aging member with a hearing loss I find the tutorials with audio awkward as I wear an amplifying device and some narrators are very soft spoken therfore all noise amplified, so
text descriptions are my chioce.
JIm

[pauland]

I watch quite a few instructional videos.

Generally I don't bother with text only ones, and inspirational music is also a no-no for me.

I know a lot of people do like the text driven ones, and it's great that people take the trouble to make them, but given the choice I like to hear what the instructor has to say.

[Mike Risner]

I started over the created the tutorial with voice narration (my apologies for anyone who hears my voice). I'm using Camtasia and I think it supports text on-screen. So I'll look into that. Thanks again to everyone who reviewed the video and provided feedback and suggestions. I really appreciate it! Happy Holidays!

http://ferocioustech.com/learning/xa...pples-ios-text

[pauland]

Don't apologize, you did a great job. I think the narration adds a lot.

Thank you.

Paul