Powerpoint Redesign Considerations
The presentation has been modified in respect to the placement of of the template graphics. First, the template graphics have been moved from the bottom to the top of the slide deck. This decision was taken because when using mixed media (media where there is a mix of graphics and text), "the distribution of visual attention in multimedia learning is largely guided by the text." (Schmidt et al., 2010, p. 1). Text is typically read (at least in the west) from top to bottom (actually top left to bottom right). Thus, the template graphics were placed on the top so they would not distract the viewer or reader's attention.
The presentation was also created with essentially two fonts. One larger font for headers and main topics and a slightly smaller font for bullet points. This design consideration was chosen because research shows that font choices are essential to learning; "Technical communicators who want a font that is comfortable-to-read, professional, interesting, and attractive might choose Gill Sans, Souvenir, or fonts that share similar anatomical characteristics." (Mackiewicz, 2007, p. 1)
The final consideration that was taken was the use of a background that would yield higher contrast. The choice of a clean background is critical. For the most effective use, the author chose to "use of short, focused text, plain backgrounds, and clean graphics" as suggested by research. (Bajaj, 2019, p. 1)
The presentation was also created with essentially two fonts. One larger font for headers and main topics and a slightly smaller font for bullet points. This design consideration was chosen because research shows that font choices are essential to learning; "Technical communicators who want a font that is comfortable-to-read, professional, interesting, and attractive might choose Gill Sans, Souvenir, or fonts that share similar anatomical characteristics." (Mackiewicz, 2007, p. 1)
The final consideration that was taken was the use of a background that would yield higher contrast. The choice of a clean background is critical. For the most effective use, the author chose to "use of short, focused text, plain backgrounds, and clean graphics" as suggested by research. (Bajaj, 2019, p. 1)
References
Bajaj, G. (2019). How to Create a Gantt Chart Template in PowerPoint-PowerPoint Notes.
Mackiewicz, J. (2007). Audience perceptions of fonts in projected PowerPoint text slides. Technical communication, 54(3), 295–307.
Schmidt, S.-W. F., Kohnert, A., & Glowalla, U. (2010). A closer look at split visual attention in system-and self-paced instruction in multimedia learning. Learning and instruction, 20(2), 100–110.
Mackiewicz, J. (2007). Audience perceptions of fonts in projected PowerPoint text slides. Technical communication, 54(3), 295–307.
Schmidt, S.-W. F., Kohnert, A., & Glowalla, U. (2010). A closer look at split visual attention in system-and self-paced instruction in multimedia learning. Learning and instruction, 20(2), 100–110.
