Production Techniques: Icon Navigation

[DavidAnderson]

As E-learning and instructional designers, we usually have a lot of latitude in how we approach our projects. Even in restrictive, template-driven environments, we often have opportunity for including our personal voice into our writing and design approach.

I wanted to share 3 versions of the same navigation effect. Each version used a different production approach but the end result is exactly the same.

Icon navigation techniques
View the effect: click here

• Introduction
• Version 1: Hyperlinked icons copied to each slide
• Version 2: Hyperlinked icons placed on Slide Master w/ active slide icon copied on single slides
• Version 3: Hyperlinked icons and active slide icon placed on Slide Master using single graphic

If you have ideas for other ways to go about the effect, please create a Screencast and share back with the community.

If you would like to use the bumper screen I used for branding. I recorded at 980x560.

[this.onEnterFrame]

Very cool effect.
And it is interesting how much you can learn by trying out different techniques.
With this kinda nav you dont really even need the menu bars and stuff.

[Lucinda]

This is very helpful, thanks for the Screenr and resouce files!

[DavidAnderson]

Thanks James and good point about trying out different techniques. It's usually easier and more predictable going with what we know. Experimenting with different approaches helps make us better troubleshooters and problem solvers.

@Lucina - thanks for the feedback! Please feel free to share how they work out for you or even share examples. I'd love to see what you come up with!

[Andrea9]

Once you do this, how do you turn off the menu?

[DavidAnderson]

Hi Andrea9 -

You can do it a couple ways.

If you want your entire presentation to be slide only view, you can set the "Slide Only View" option in Articulate > Player Templates.

If you only want a series of slides to be Slide Only View, you can set individual slides via Articulate > Slide Properties.

I hope that helps but please let us know if you have any questions!

David

[kuldeep.pethkar@aptaracor]

Hello Sir,
My requirement is I want the menu buttons [like Menu, Glossary, Help... etc] on the top of the course and when user click on the menu the table of content will be appear.
And i want this interactivity in Articulate.

Please help.

[DavidAnderson]

Hi and thanks for your question.

What you're asking probably requires a little more custom development with the SDK and course player.

Here's an article by one of Articulate's MVPs, James, who knows a thing or two about customizing the course player. Add Custom Tools to Articulate Toolbar with SDK | Frame; Entered.

Hopefully he'll jump in and provide some ideas for you.

Are you, or is someone on your team, comfortable with Flash programming?

[kuldeep.pethkar@aptaracor]

Hello David,

Thank you.
This is the basic functionlity what i had in mind. Please find attached print screen. I just forwarded to Jean.

Thank you.
Kuldeep

[kuldeep.pethkar@aptaracor]

Hello David,

WE are comfortable with flash programming. Do you have any idea how i can get this custom player.

Please let us know your thoughts.
Kuldeep