Multi-Step Tutorials

This section covers different solutions for explaining more complex instructions or concepts. When choosing a method, consider the following:

• Clarity vs. Ambiguity – Some methods communicate more precisely than others.
• Immersion – The presentation of some of the methods can be more obtrusive than others
• Efficiency – Some can communicate concepts quicker than others

Written Instructions

Pros: Text-based instructions ensure a level of clarity that communicates to users at the pace they choose. Expert users may choose to skim through the text while new users have the option to re-read at their pace.
Cons: This method can be more obtrusive since it requires users to pause and read. Instructions can also easily break immersion and specific details such as controller buttons or gestures may be hard to communicate.

Here are some examples:

Narrated Instructions

Pros: This type of instructions can easily be presented in a way that’s relevant to the user’s context, therefore remaining more unobtrusive compared to other methods.
Cons: Complex concepts or details may be difficult to convey through narration. Instructions can also be miscommunicated or missed if the user’s attention or the pacing of the narration is off.

Here are some examples:

Animated or static graphic instructions

Pros: This can be much more minimal and therefore quicker for users to understand.
Cons: Can risk miscommunication if visuals are not clear and thorough enough.

Here are some examples:

Pre-Recorded Video Instructions

Pros: Can be capable of communicating highly detailed and complex concepts fairly quickly. Also allows for little to no risks of miscommunication.
Cons: Although it may be capable of communicating information quickly, it does also have the highest risk of being the most unobtrusive method, since it can be very challenging to blend it into a scene.

Here are some examples: