How can you balance text-based content with visual elements in your instructional design?

1 Why text and visuals matter

Text and visuals are not just decorative elements in your instructional design. They are powerful tools to communicate information, concepts, emotions, and actions. Text can provide clarity, context, and detail, while visuals can capture attention, illustrate, and simplify. Together, they can enhance comprehension, retention, and motivation of your learners.

2 How to choose text and visuals

The first step to balance text and visuals in your instructional design is to choose them wisely. You need to consider your learning objectives, audience, and delivery format. For example, if your goal is to explain a complex process, you might use a combination of text and diagrams. If your goal is to demonstrate a skill, you might use a video with captions or voice-over. If your goal is to inspire or persuade, you might use a story with images or animations.

3 How to align text and visuals

The second step to balance text and visuals in your instructional design is to align them with each other and with your overall message. You need to make sure that your text and visuals are consistent, relevant, and coherent. For example, you should avoid using conflicting or redundant information, such as repeating the same text in a graphic or using different terms for the same concept. You should also avoid using irrelevant or distracting elements, such as adding too many colors, fonts, or animations that do not support your learning point.

4 How to organize text and visuals

The third step to balance text and visuals in your instructional design is to organize them in a logical and intuitive way. You need to follow the principles of visual hierarchy, contrast, and alignment to create a clear and appealing layout. For example, you should use headings, subheadings, and bullet points to break down your text into manageable chunks. You should also use white space, borders, and grids to separate and group your text and visuals. You should also use colors, shapes, and sizes to highlight and differentiate your text and visuals.

5 How to optimize text and visuals

The fourth step to balance text and visuals in your instructional design is to optimize them for readability, accessibility, and usability. You need to ensure that your text and visuals are easy to read, understand, and interact with for your learners. For example, you should use simple and clear language, avoid jargon and acronyms, and check your spelling and grammar. You should also use high-quality and relevant images, videos, and graphics, and optimize their size and resolution. You should also use alt text, captions, transcripts, and labels to make your text and visuals accessible for learners with different needs and preferences.

6 How to evaluate text and visuals

The fifth step to balance text and visuals in your instructional design is to evaluate them for effectiveness, impact, and feedback. You need to measure how well your text and visuals achieve your learning objectives, engage your learners, and elicit their responses. For example, you can use quizzes, surveys, polls, or analytics to assess your learners' knowledge, satisfaction, and behavior. You can also use reviews, ratings, comments, or testimonials to collect your learners' opinions, suggestions, and testimonials.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?