The PML: What We Do Video
Categories: UXD, Marketing, Explainer Video
Client: The Process Management Lab (PML)
Tools: Vyond, Google Docs, Canva, Google Slides, Snagit
Project Overview:
To reach potential clients, PML considered communicating how they implement process improvements. The lab had a series of three videos in mind, and we began with "What We Do" since I was new to the lab and wanted to gain insight into the internal process.
The Process Management Lab - What We Do
The PML's initial audience
My Design and Development Process
In our kick-off meeting, the PML expressed interest in a product that would educate new lab members, associates aspiring to the technographer role, and potential clients.
The audience that informed our design
Session One - Introduction (Empathize, Understand, Define)
During our kick-off meeting, I asked probing questions to understand the audience and the business outcomes they hoped to achieve with the video. As a result of these answers, we identified the problem - visitors to the PML's web page weren't sure how the PML could help them. Therefore, they asked for help in areas the PML did not provide - and defined our expected strategic business outcomes. We also decided that the minimal viable product would be a script with images.
Session Two - Ideate and Prototype
The second session involved mapping the user's journey, and brainstorming to create a video script. In addition, the participants generated ideas for supporting images, after which we chunked the script accordingly.
Session Three - Test
Between sessions two and three, I organized the prototype into a storyboard sans the directions, so it was ready for testing. A previous client reviewed the prototype to determine if it represented their experience with the PML's process. In addition, they determined whether it would have been useful to them at the beginning of their journey toward process improvement.
Development.
Having created our MVP, we began looking for a development tool. We considered Camtasia for development. We also considered hiring a sketch artist to create stick people as the PML wanted a playful, engaging, and dynamic vibe to the video.
I conducted a trade study to assess the strengths and weaknesses of different options against the PML's needs. In the end, we decided to work with Vyond. My favorite part of the project was creating custom characters that resembled the PML's leadership. To demonstrate Vyond's potential, I developed a bare-bones demo draft of the video for the PML to review. After receiving their approval, I developed the video and presented it for a second review. They were pleased with the direction the video was headed. However, we unanimously decided to enhance the process maps presented in the video.
The Process Management Lab - What We Do
Challenges
Creating Process Maps - m first attempt at representing the process maps created at workshops was to use static images. Unfortunately, the screen captures resulted in poor-resolution images, and the static nature of the images did not capture the collaborative aspect of the workshop. Furthermore, downloading the images directly from the software the client used to create them resulted in images that were either too large for the video frame or distorted when reduced. My solution was to recreate maps from scratch in Vyond using animations to show how participants move virtual sticky notes around the board.
Conclusion
I had a very rewarding learning experience involving business stakeholders in designing, developing, and testing the solution. I am more confident about creating a second product with a more refined and efficient process.