TCUK 2013 - Martin Block - Creating narrated videos for user assistance

1. Creating narrated videos
for user assistance with
software
Dr. Martin Block FISTC

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

3. EntroWatch (supporting software)
• Windows 8 look-and-feel
• Intuitive
• SQL database
• Detects devices at startup
• license is free

4. Help facility in EntroWatch
Searchable
Help tool
HTML files
held in SQL
database and
‘indexed’
when
database
created
Short,
snappy
Help
topics
Videos
to
support
key
topics

5. Help pages (no video)
Initially
thought
videos for
all topics
Found to be
impractical,
so videos only
for important
or complex
topics

6. Help pages (with video)
More
complex
topic with
a video

7. Initial drivers
Synched
soundtrack
imperative
Videos to
supplement
written
instructions
Do away
with need
for training
Enhance web
presence eg
YouTube
Produce inhouse (good
learning)
Get with
the times!
Selling point
for product

8. Proof of concept (1) – Tools/Deliverables
Tools:
Animation/Soundtracks – ‘Debut Video Capture
Software’ by NCH Software.
Editing/Compiled Videos – ‘VideoPad Video
Editing Software’ by NCH Software.
Deliverables:
AVI files accessible via hot-linked icons at
foot of some Help topics. One third of
topics ended up with videos.

9. Proof of concept (2) – Problems
Technical author (!)
Aero theme
Mouse work
Synching animation/soundtrack
Time/effort/resources

10. 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.

11. Scripts - concepts
Statements
rather than
steps
Drive videos,
giving them their
pace
Delivered with an
appealing voice
Variety of text
to avoid
repetition
Warm text, with
introductions and
sign-offs

12. 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.

13. Scripts - Final

14. Soundtracks
Done in private
Recorded prior to
animation
On-thespot
retakes
Used ‘Call-take’
microphone
Gaps between
statements

15. Preparations (1) – Cut up soundtracks

16. Preparations (2) – Demo setup
Three
EntroStar
units
monitoring
six doors,
each with
an entry
and an exit
reader
Biotech
company

17. Preparations (3) – Demo setup
Twenty
staff in
fictional
company
Jobs,
names,
dates of
birth...all
made up
Remsdaq
staff:
permission
obtained for
use of
pictures
Database
later used by
Remsdaq
sales and
marketing

18. Video production
‘F’ keys configured to
start/end recording
Avoid abrupt
movements
Judge gaps by
whispering
script as you
go along
Allow time for intro piece
and end piece
Prepare EntroWatch
with a ‘negative’
setup
Dummy
runs
Pace
speed of
mouse
Balance perfection with
realism

19. Video editing - overview

20. Video editing – detail