Role of the Highlights Video in Usability Testing: Rhetorical and Generic Expectations    

Despite the proliferation of books and articles dealing with usability testing as a sub-field of technical communication, there remains one artifact that is underdefined: the usability highlights video. Several sources suggest that usability testers should deliver a video to their clients, but there is no common description of the contents of this video or the rhetorical purpose it fulfills. In this article, we examine the use of the highlights video as described in the literature, but we go further to discover some ways practicing usability professionals understand the role of the highlights video. Through the use of generic conventions, rhetorical theory, and industrial practices, we attempt to draw conclusions that point to some common uses of the highlights video that can instruct both teachers in the usability classroom and practicing usability experts as they create videos for client projects.

Yeats, Dave and Locke Carter. Technical Communication Online (2005). Articles>Usability>Testing>Video

Screencasting: the Future of Technical Communication?    

Screencasting has numerous advantages for software training: the added realism of the screen versus paper-based or static online screens, ease of use, and low cost. Archee reviews two popular programs.

Archee, Raymond K. Intercom (2008). Articles>TC>Video>Screencasting

Script Design for Information Film, Video, and Multimedia  

In this all-day seminar we'll explore the basic concepts in the grammars and syntax of kinetic sight-and sound media: film, video, and multimedia. We'll not discuss how to write scipts. Rather we'll concentrate on learning how to encode information into kinetic visual images using filmic design techniques. Throughout this seminar we'll view and critique award-winning j%ns and videos, and explore a multimedia flowchart to see how others have applied such filmic techniques to solve specific communication problems.

Shelton, S. Martin 'Marty'. STC Proceedings (1997). Design>Multimedia>Video

Searching for Online Video

Although Google has been grabbing headlines with the announcement of its forthcoming Google Video Store, many other services let you search for and view many types of video online.

Price, Gary. Search Engine Watch (2006). Articles>Web Design>Search>Video

Shooting Web Video: How to Put Your Readers at the Scene

Freelance writers, bloggers and independent journalists yearning to use video on the Internet, grab your PDAs. Use these tips to help you begin shooting and editing your own Web video stories.

McCombs, Regina. Online Journalism Review (2005). Articles>Web Design>Streaming>Video

Sixteen Suggestions for Successful Videoconferences  

Offers protocols, procedures, and rules of etiquette for conducting videoconferences.

Smith, Gary M. Intercom (2000). Articles>Collaboration>Teleconferencing>Videoconferencing

Sony HDV HC1 High-Definition Camcorder

Introduces the high-definition Sony HDV-HC1 digital camcorder for technical/professional communication practice.

Karlin, Erin and Amy Tehan. Studio for New Media (2006). Articles>Document Design>Video>High Definition

Stephanie Bryant on Videoblogging

Bryant talks about videoblogging as a tool for promoting yourself or for communicating with others. She explains the equipment she uses and the process for producing videoblogs. Her book, Videoblogging for Dummies, is available from her website: www.mortaine.com. Bryant also discusses interesting ways lawyers can use videoblogging to educate their clients.

Bryant, Stephanie and Tom H. Johnson. Tech Writer Voices (2007). Articles>Interviews>Video>Podcasts

Strategies and Roadblocks to the Inclusion of Community Expertise in Academic Research

This talk presents a case study which followed a graduate course in public policy. This course attempted to construct knowledge around a community based problem in collaboration with community members. The talk covers both the successes and difficulties of this research project.

Swan, Susan. EServer (2000). Presentations>Lectures>Streaming>Video

Strategies for Using Compressed Video Effectively  

Interactive media for distance training require special presentational strategies. Compressed video, an interactive medium using fiber optics, has unique characteristics which users must know. The video creates a lack of direct eye contact and a sense of separation. The compression creates flattened images and extremes of colors. Effective presenters in this medium must plan concise, horizontal graphics. They must schedule short, varied activities with limited use of uninterrupted lecture. And they must plan frequent interactive activities--such as questions, group work, and demonstrations--for an effective session.

Connors, Patricia E. STC Proceedings (1996). Articles>Multimedia>Streaming>Video

Talking-Head Video Is Boring Online

Eyetracking data show that users are easily distracted when watching video on websites, especially when the video shows a talking head and is optimized for broadcast rather than online viewing.

Nielsen, Jakob. Alertbox (2006). Design>Web Design>User Centered Design>Video

Talking-Head Video Is Boring Online

Eyetracking data show that users are easily distracted when watching video on websites, especially when the video shows a talking head and is optimized for broadcast rather than online viewing.

Nielsen, Jakob. Alertbox (2005). Articles>Multimedia>Video>Eye Tracking

Technical Communication and Clinical Health Care: Improving Rural Emergency Trauma Care Through Synchronous Videoconferencing    

While debates continue over the effectiveness of innovative communication technologies to bring information and services to populations that have been underserved by such new technologies, a federally-funded program at the University of Vermont and Fletcher Allen Health Care (FAHC), Burlington, Vermont, has enabled trauma specialists to link with rural emergency room health care providers through a synchronous videoconferencing (telemedicine) network. Analysis of patient histories and surveys completed by the participating physicians after each use of the computer conferencing system as well as interviews and observations indicate that the FAHC consulting trauma specialists and the remotely located physicians felt the linkups do not interfere with standard ER procedures, that communication was at least adequate for all consultations, and that the consults improved the quality of care, for over half of the cases. Furthermore, interviews with rural ER physicians indicated that they saw the program operating as the first stage of FAHC's management of a patient to be transferred to that facility.

Doheny-Farina, Stephen, Peter W. Callas, Michael A. Ricci, Michael P. Caputo, Judith L. Amour and Fred B. Rogers. Journal of Technical Writing and Communication (2003). Articles>Scientific Communication>Videoconferencing>Biomedical

Technical Illustration And The Video Camera  

A video camera is an excellent tool for preparing technical illustrations and procedures. A video tape of a procedure provides chronological information. It provides visual images that can be used as the basis for technical illustrations. Visual images and details are recorded permanently so that they are not forgotten. The research information can be passed on to another author. A case study illustrates how a video tape can be used to document a procedure and produce electronic illustrations.

Schneider, Livingston S. STC Proceedings (1994). Presentations>Graphic Design>Video>Technical Illustration

Technical Illustration and the Video Camera  

A video camera is an excellent tool for preparing technical illustrations and procedures. A video tape of a procedure provides chronological information. It provides visual images that can be used as the basis for technical illustrations. Visual images and details are recorded permenantly so that they are not forgotten. The research information can be passed on to another author. A case study illustrates how a video tape can be used to document a procedure and produce electronic illustrations.

Schneider, Livingston S. STC Proceedings (1993). Articles>Multimedia>Video>Technical Illustration

The Technical Writer – The Movie

Why would someone make a movie and call it The Technical Writer? I did a quick rundown of similar titles from a movie web site, but I couldn't detect much of a pattern.

Kyle, Charlie. MetroVoice (2003). Articles>Multimedia>Video

Ten Tips for Talking Heads

Andy Warhol once said that everyone will be world famous for 15 minutes. So when that time comes don't screw it up - follow these 10 tips for broadcast success, whether you're talking to Matt and Katie via satellite uplink or your employees via a Webcast.

Yewman, Dave. Presenters University. Articles>Presentations>Streaming>Video

Tips and Tricks for Including AVI (Video) Demos in Your Online Tutorial  

This presentation focuses on creating video demonstrations of software for online tutorials, using AVI files, and Inserting these files into Windows Help or HTML.

Rosenberg, Nad. STC Orange County (1998). Presentations>Documentation>Multimedia>Video

Translating Videos for an International Market  

Smith explains the process of translating videos. The article includes sidebars on video terms and advice on choosing a video translation firm.

Smith, Jackie. Intercom (2002). Design>Multimedia>Localization>Video

Using Cable Access to Learn Video Production  

Today's information seeker wants instant enlightenment--at the push of a button. And, thanks to TV-conditioning, s/he wants it packaged with action, sound, and pizzazz—like an episode of 'Nova.' The national information superhighway will provide the delivery vehicle for information in video format. You and I will provide the material—if we know how to produce it. Our demonstration will include television programs produced by Dallas STC members and explain how you can learn videography at your local public access facility.

McWilliams Johnson, Mary. STC Proceedings (1994). Articles>Web Design>Streaming>Video

Using the Wiggler in After Effects

The Wiggler is great when you need random keyframes applied to a layer's property. Scale, opacity, movement, even a plug-in's values can be 'wigglered.'This feature will save you from having to create dozens if not hundreds of keyframes if you're trying, for instance, to make a layer move randomly or flicker.

Anderson, Chad J.W. Mac Design Magazine (2005). Design>Multimedia>Video>Adobe After Effects

Using Videotaped Presentations Effectively

Using videos to sell a service or product or to inspire and inform associates is becoming common for all kinds of organizations. The latest technologies offer endless opportunities at reasonable cost and with professional results, yet nothing can replace the drama and warmth of a live presentation. It's like the difference between live theater and television- no comparison!

Presenters University (2002). Articles>Presentations>Video

Using Writing to Negotiate Knowledge and Power

In Language and Symbolic Power, Pierre Bourdieu demonstrates how the language practices of institutions can generate symbolic violence and relations of power. At the same time, these language practices make existing power relationships seem natural and thus hide the symbolic violence from both more and less powerful inhabitants of these sites. Research has only recently begun to examine critically these practices as they function in corporate America. This talk will examine textual practices within a large manufacturer of agricultural equipment to show how they require subordinates to document their work in forms determined by management. Such documentation represents work in terms acceptable to managers and prevents subordinates from developing alternative understandings of the possibilities of their labor.

Winsor, Dorothy A. University of Illinois (2001). Presentations>Writing>Streaming>Video

Video: The Basis Of Video Conferencing

Video is a Latin word that means 'I see'. This technology includes, capturing, transmitting and replaying visual media. Video is actually the technique of turning a series of still images into moving images and the technology to do this varies through time. Video has come a long way from the black and white images that used to move much like a fast slide show just a couple of decades ago. Live video was made possible with the invention of the 'Vidicon', which was the heart of the video camera. This was first used in television cameras in the large television studios. Today, video cameras come in various shapes and sizes to match the work they are required to do. Small video cameras that fit into the palm of your hand are the most common and inexpensive cameras that produce very high quality images that can be stored on discs or video tape.

Shakir A. Ezine Articles (2007). Articles>Collaboration>Videoconferencing>Online

Videoconference-Based Courses in Technical Communication: Pros, Cons, and Considerations  

Interactive compressed video (ICV), also called videoconferencing, is increasingly popular for distance education. While ICV shares many features with satellite technology, its two-way audio and video make it more interactive and versatile, at a lower cost. The interactivity can help meet the instructor’s concern about appropriate methods for teaching writing. The lower costs, and the versatiliy to send as well as receive courses, can help meet the administrator’s concerns about maximizing the return on investment.

Farrell, Kathleen L. STC Proceedings (1996). Articles>Education>Online>Videoconferencing