Introduction

Instructional designers must provide clear, concise, and consistent instructional content. The Learner-Centered Instructional Content infographic explores how to use plain language, organization and structure, and content curation to reduce cognitive load as well as improve accessibility, comprehension, and memory.

Learning Objective

Learners will:

  • Explain how plain writing, organization and structure, and content curation support learner-centered instructional content.

Learner-Centered Instructional Content Infographic

Original File Links and Licensing

The Learner-Centered Instructional Content infographic [PSD] includes the following images.

Original

Other Images

Techniques

I used the following techniques to create the infographic:

Raster

Basic:

  • Adjust brightness and contrast (Design Books JPG, I adjusted the levels to improve the lighting)
  • Apply filters from the filter gallery (Design Books HEIC, Bricks JPG)
  • Apply basic adjustment layer techniques (Design Books HEIC, Bricks JPG)
  • Adjust color vibrancy (Design Books JPG)

More Advanced:

  • Add objects by cloning (Design Books JPG, I enhanced some book covers with cloning to add interest)
  • Create a graphic shape (rectangles, circles)
  • Remove a large object (Design Books JPG, I removed the stick of incense in the photo)
  • Use the mask tool to fine-tune a selection (Design Books HEIC)

Vector

Basic:

  • Format Text
  • Create simple lines
  • Draw simple shapes

More Advanced:

  • Draw with the pencil tool
  • Edit paths and shapes
  • Place text on or inside of a path

Design Elements

The infographic implements Williams’ (2015) four elements of C.R.A.P. (contrast, repetition, alignment, and proximity) in the the following ways.

Contrast

Color makes up most of the contrast in the infographic; the blue pops against the neutral black, white, and grays within the image.

Repetition

Each of the three sections of the infographic includes repeated elements such as color, shape (rectangles, circles), type, and space). These elements support unity within the image. In the logo, color, shape (circles), and lines repeat to reinforce the brand identity.

Alignment

The text, icons, and circles align within the infographic. I chose to place the text just over half of the horizontal line to create a slight feel of asymmetry. Similarly, I played on asymmetric and parallel lines in the logo.

Proximity

I grouped the different section within a rectangle to make them a single unit organized by topic. Structure comes from the heading and paragraph text. The icons with the additional circles also include a sense of proximity.

Reflection

Digital images can enhance instructional content by encouraging multimodal learning. Educator should be selective when using images—we should only choose images which provide context as decorative images can distract the learner.

As I worked on the Learner-Centered Instructional Content infographic, I found it helpful to start by prototyping in Miro. This allowed me to sketch how to layout the text on the page as well as get an idea of where I could create white space and place shapes and images. Once I moved into Adobe Photoshop, I continued to refine the details within the image by considering the learner’s needs for the image. Designing the final image required a lot of trial and error to iterate to create a minimalist style while using layers.

Due to the time constraints, I feel like I need more time and practice to understand Illustrator. My logo fulfills the project requirements; however, I would love to learn more of the tool’s features.

Reference

Williams, R. (2015). The Non-Designer’s Design Book (4th ed.). Peachpit Press.