One-Page Visual Instructions

Sheri Kennedy • August 30, 2024

The Art of Applied Visual Thinking

The official newsletter of Applied Visual Thinking SUPERHEROES. Vol. 5 No. 18

August 30, 2024

There is an old teaching adage that goes something like "Tell me, I forget; show me, I remember; involve me, I understand." This is a perspective we take to heart at AVT and one we incorporate into all our Applied Visual Thinking course lessons.

Panel 1: person explaining how to fish; Panel 2: person demonstrating how to fish; Panel 3: Two people fishing side by side

Sometimes, however, you might not have the luxury of time or sufficient contact with the learners to be able to follow all three of these steps. This is where visuals can help.

I was recently asked to design a visual art workshop for a conference where many of the participants are in recovery from brain illness or injury such as traumatic brain injury (TBI) or stroke. There were a range of abilities in regards to memory as well as physical challenges.

When I first learned about some of these possibilities, I realized I needed to be much more deliberate and thoughtful in drafting my lesson plan. Then it hit me. This is a visual art workshop.

Why not make my instructions visual?

1. A blank list of 10 simple pleasures with one circled.
2. A person focusing on the circled item.
3. Make a simple shapes/examples of simple shapes
4. Play! Suggestions to repeat the shape, let it change, do something else

Well, duh. Why shouldn't instructions ALWAYS have a visual component? Here are a few examples when visual instructions might be super useful as compared with a strictly verbal or written how-to.

Assembling furniture: Show parts and their connections step-by-step.

Cooking recipes: Show visuals of ingredients, preparation steps, and final presentation.

Technical troubleshooting: Show system settings or wiring connections through diagrams or screenshots.

Exercise routines: Demonstrate correct form and sequence of movements.

Navigation or map directions: Show routes, landmarks, and turns visually.

Safety procedures: Visual cues for emergency exits, fire extinguisher use, or first aid steps.

Software tutorials: Guide through tasks using screen recordings or annotated screenshots.

There are multiple benefits for creating visuals in preparation for any workshop, training or lesson. Here are just a few.

You will simplify your instructions to just the essentials.
By adding a visual to each step, your learners will understand more quickly and clearly.
Your instructions will be more memorable.
Learners will understand regardless of reading/language skill.
By limiting yourself to one page, you can post your instructions on a slide and/or print a single page per table.

If you've ever tried to lead a group training, teach something or provide instructions for someone, you may have discovered how difficult it can be to write down HOW to do something. By making your instructions visual, you can ensure that they are simple, easy to understand, and accessible to more learning styles.