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Poster |
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 HOW TO
DESIGN EXPLAINERS
Many of these are
suggestions apply in
designing and introducing organizational changes of any sort.
Select
a subject that is recognized as important.
It is difficult to sell
something that, while interesting, is unimportant to an
organization.
Introduce a case history
example of an Explainer and the results it helped produce.
Avoid 'toy' examples.
Engage
interest, help, and participation of people who will be affected.
This is a motivator.
Design
your Explainer with key people.
Include / consult with people
responsible for related, connected areas.
Be open to finding improvements in what is being explained.
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Materials: Use ink marker and
sheets of 2' by 3' easel paper to sketch quick modules. Post on wall with masking tape. Look on rework as learning about connections in what you are trying to explain. |
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Stick with the rules. They have proven workable, simple, and clear:
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Start at the top, move down making choices. |
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Don’t cross vertical lines or horizontal barriers ////////. |
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Follow any arrow joining two frames. |
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End in an endframe.
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Design a
'How To' headline description for your Explainer. |
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Layout the top-row frames. They show where the Explainer connects to real situations. |
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Develop
the main explanation path along the left side. It forms a backbone
from which paths can be extended. |
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Develop remaining paths. Simplify. Overlap. Create finished Explainer (8 1/2 x 11" is usual). |
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Include escape frames: (If not sure, phone xxx. To learn of updates, call xxx.) |
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Give thought to who is most likely to update the Explainer
in the future. |
Tell
interested people of progress.
Include recognition for
people who are helping. Answer all questions.
Don't duck issues.
Test
market your Explainer.
Arrange a small-scale test
market trial of your Explainer before releasing it to large numbers of
people. Design a questionnaire on which people can tell you how to
improve clarity.
You might want to use 5-point scales of preference (very confusing/
unclear/ neutral/ clear/ very clear) rather than using only open-ended
questions that are hard to tally (How did you like the new design?).
To encourage openness, make it optional for raters to put their names
on their response sheets. Names are helpful, though, in case you want
to talk with a rater about an answer. Pay attention to and respond to
suggestions by raters.
Start
using your Explainer.
Think about who will announce
the change. It will be easy to describe. Purpose was established and
announced early. You kept people informed. Comfort level will be high.
Update
the Explainer.
Since you selected an important
subject, people will be apt to help with updating.
Report
your experience.
Success with FLIPP will encourage use in other areas. Generously recognize the people who
helped. §
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