Overview:
This project was pursued in my Digital Literacies graduate course. I was tasked to create a professional quick-start video guide for Discord, an instant messaging and voice-over-internet protocol, that uses minimalist design.
Context
- Team: Individual
- Duration: 3 Weeks
- Time of Production: Fall 2023
- Program used: Camtasia
Task
This project focuses on assisting novice users create a server and invite friends in Discord. The video must include:
- Procedural (not conceptual) quick start guide that follows principles of minimalism.
- Visual markers (special effects) to clarify steps in the procedure.
- Audio narration with option to add background music (not copyrighted).
- Run time between 90 – 150 seconds.
- Minimalism. According to KnowledgeOwl’s discussion and my class lecture, minimalism in documentation is allowing the user to be at the center of the learning experience.
Approach
I began this project with a script and storyboard, outlining the process and deciding on content to include in the video. I applied the minimalist approach here by having minimal scenes and having quick and easy actions the user can follow.
Next, I recorded my video using Camtasia, following my script and storyboard.
Finally, I cleaned and edited my shots in post production using Camtasia. I evaluated the audio levels of my voice and background music, added transitions between scenes, and added zoom and pan animations to highlight points of interests in my guide.
Outcome
I produced a video that displayed my skills in planning, recording, and editing in all stages of production. The video highlights all procedural information, points of interest, and minimalist ideas.
Note: The complete video is unavailable to view at the moment, as I am editing the video to protect user identity.