How to Create Automated Video Manuals for Complicated Scenarios

In the digital age, instructional videos have become an essential tool for conveying complex information effectively. In fact, up to 83% of users understand and recall information better via visuals and video than text. From software tutorials to product demonstrations, video manuals are invaluable in industries like technology, electronics, and machinery where understanding complex scenarios is key. Below, we explore the art of creating automated video manuals, structuring them for maximum comprehension, and balancing automation with personalization.

Meet the Expert

Arjel Vajvoda, Head of Product at Motomtech, leverages her extensive experience in customer support to craft user-focused SaaS products with innovative documentation solutions.

Getting Started: How to Create Effective Video Manuals

The aim of video manuals is to deliver clear and easily understandable content to the audience, despite the complexity of the subject matter.

Creating instructional videos, especially for complex scenarios, requires a well-thought-out approach and planning. It begins with understanding the scenario thoroughly and then breaking it down into digestible segments:

• Understanding the scenario: Acquiring a thorough understanding of the scenario involves identifying the key elements that need to be demonstrated and understanding the common challenges you might encounter.
• Scripting: A well-crafted script is the roadmap for your video. It ensures a logical flow of information, covers all essential points, and helps maintain a clear and concise narrative throughout the video.
• Screen recording: Utilizing a high-quality screen recording tool is crucial as it captures the visual aspect of the instruction. The tool should let you clearly record, highlight, and zoom to focus on critical areas.
• Annotations and captions: Annotations provide additional on-screen information which is useful in explaining complex points. Captions are essential for accessibility and help reinforce the spoken words, helping viewers understand better.
• Review and revision: Once your video is done, you should review the content to ensure accuracy and clarity. Make revisions as necessary to improve the video.

Simplifying Video Manual Creation Through Automation

Creating video manuals can be a time-consuming and intricate process, especially when done manually. All of the steps we discussed above can provide manual challenges, including:

• Planning, writing, and editing a script takes time.
• Managing a successful screen recording without mistakes.
• Completing post-production editing including video editing, adding graphics, and incorporating voiceovers within time.
• Uploading the video to a hosting platform without issues.

Using the Right Automated Video Creation Tool

Instead, the right automated video creation tool can streamline the process and complete many tasks for you. With Guidde, you can save time and ensure a professional and engaging output.

Here's how:

• Scripting: Guidde automates the scripting process by generating step-by-step descriptions, reducing the need for extensive scriptwriting.
• Recording: With Guidde's browser extension, you simply have to record your workflow and Guidde will do the rest.
• Editing: Guidde offers built-in editing capabilities, eliminating the need for extensive post-production work.
• Distribution: Share your Guidde-generated video manuals effortlessly through links or embed them into your organization's resources.

See how it easy it can be with this Freshdesk demonstration:

Best Practices to Maximize Comprehension and Engagement

Structure is key to user comprehension. Creating instructional videos that are both engaging and easy to understand requires a meticulous approach to structuring and organizing the content.

Logical Sequencing

Establishing a logical flow in your video by introducing the topic, explaining the core concepts, demonstrating them, and then providing a recap helps reinforce the complicated scenarios you're trying to carry over and ensures the viewer can follow along effortlessly.

Short and Focused Videos

Keeping videos short and focused on one topic helps to maintain the viewer's attention. We recommend keeping videos within a 3 to 5-minute period to bring across core ideas without overwhelming the viewers.

Use of Visuals and Real-World Examples

Using videos and real-world examples can significantly enhance understanding. Visual aids can help explain complex concepts, while real-world examples allow viewers to relate the information to practical scenarios.

» Try these extra tips to make your content accessible and engaging

Generic Video Content: Balancing Automation and Personalization

Striking a balance between automation and personalization in video manuals is a delicate task, yet it's crucial for catering to diverse customer needs. Automation is great because it helps in producing content efficiently and consistently. However, too much automation might make the content feel generic, which you never want.

Personalization brings a human touch to video manuals, making the content feel tailored to the individual's needs. A smart way to balance the two could be by automating the basic, repetitive parts of the video manuals while leaving room for personal touches.

Interactive elements like clickable links, embedded quizzes, and interactive transcripts can significantly enhance engagement. They provide a learning environment that allows users to interact with the content, test their understanding, and receive immediate feedback. This interactive approach contributes to better retention and a more enjoyable learning experience.

Importance of Keeping Your Video Manuals Updated

Making sure your video manuals stay up-to-date—because of product updates, system changes, or anything else—means regularly reviewing your video content. Here, automated tools can help you update repetitive or common sections across multiple videos. However, a dedicated team should still monitor product updates and ensure corresponding updates in video manuals. This hybrid approach ensures video manuals remain relevant over time.

Another strategy could be to design the video manuals in a modular fashion from the outset. For example, instead of having one long video covering all aspects of a product, having separate, shorter videos for different features or tasks can make updating easier. If a feature changes, only the relevant video needs to be updated, not the entire manual.

Embracing Complexity: Video Manuals in the Digital Age

Creating effective instructional video manuals for complex scenarios involves a combination of thoughtful planning, engaging content structuring, and the right balance between automation and personalization. These manuals not only benefit users but also enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty in various industries. So, whether you're helping users navigate intricate software or operate complex machinery, mastering the art of automated video manuals is a valuable skill in today's digital landscape.