Capturing the Audience
In 2003 I was asked to participate in the firm's Knowledge Management initiative. The software package to be rolled-out was InterAction. Interaction is amazingly powerful, but the concepts and materials are dry. To engage our employees, I wrote the script for a multimedia piece that plays like a 1920's detective movie. In as few as four minutes, it hooked both executives and staff and left them wanting more. Click on the photograph of the detective (on the left) to watch the detective story . This is an 8 meg file and make take a minute or two to download at high speed. If a message window appears asking you to "open" or "save," click open and then click run when prompted. You may also wish to turn the volume up on your computer speakers. (Requires flash player available at www.adobe.com)
I am a strong advocate of cost efficiency. Multimedia often requires a large initial investment. This can be a "catch-22" when drafting a proposal to invest in this area. To surmount this problem, I developed a unique process for creating low-cost multimedia that served as a basis for growth at DuPont Pharmaceuticals and Morgan Lewis, LLP. Click here to see what is possible with no upfront cost. This is a 4 meg file and make take a minute or two to download at high speed. If a message window appears asking you to "open" or "save," click open. You may also wish to turn the volume up on your computer speakers. (Requires Microsoft PowerPoint 97 or better)
For Morgan Lewis LLP, I managed ten, geographically distant employees. Convincing them to all teach the same material in a consistent way was a challenge. The success of my curricula is based upon quality content and quality formatting. Each section begins with the conceptual big picture that includes specific "value points." These value points make it very clear to the reader "what's in it for me." Concepts are followed by step-by-step instructions, notes, and warnings. Both the student guide and instructor guide are printed from a single file. This is managed through Microsoft Word's hidden text feature. Click here to see an Instructor Guide. (Requires Acrobat Reader 5.0 or better available through www.adobe.com)
A brochure is a simple, cost effective means to promote one's products and services. The field of technology education is no exception. Click here to see all the services a small, dedicated team can provide. (Requires Acrobat Reader 5.0 or better available through www.adobe.com)
Speed and Creativity
Speed and creativity often translate into profit. Royal Caribbean International as part of a joint promotion with KYW News (a CBS affiliate) staged a contest. The rules were simple. "Tell us in 60 seconds or less why you need a cruise vacation." In one weekend my family and I produced our entry. Click on the photograph of the ship to play the streaming video. This is a progressive download, so should only take about 10 seconds to start playing at high speed. (Requires flash player available at www.adobe.com)
Quick Reference Guides (QRG's) are one to four page documents, written in plain English, power packed with information. Easy Step Guides (ESG's) are one to two page documents that take you step by step through the basics of a feature. (Requires Acrobat Reader 5.0 or better available through www.adobe.com)
Branding
Branding is an important part of a corporate image. While managing the DuPont team, I branded my department with a high-tech look and feel best expressed by this blue chrome-style logo, TEC (Technology Education Center).
At Morgan Lewis LLP, I branded our products and services with a nautical look and feel. With over 250 software products in our mix, the lighthouse signifies that education is "a beacon in the sea of technology."
