Job aids are an essential tool in the world of learning and development. They provide employees with the necessary information and guidance to perform tasks effectively. However, not all job aids are created equal. To truly support individuals and drive performance improvement, job aids need to be visually appealing, easy to understand, and interactive. In this post, we will explore some practical tips and strategies for creating engaging job aids.
Best Practices for Creating Effective Job Aids
Visual Appeal
One of the key factors in creating engaging job aids is visual appeal. Visuals can help simplify complex information and make it more digestible for learners. Consider using infographics, diagrams, and illustrations to present information in a visually appealing way. Use colors, fonts, and images that are visually appealing and align with the content and branding.
Simplicity and Clarity
Job aids should be easy to understand and navigate. Keep the content concise and to the point. Use clear and simple language that is easily understood by the target audience. Break down complex processes into simple steps and use bullet points or numbered lists to make the information more scannable. Avoid cluttering the job aid with unnecessary information or jargon.
Interactivity
Nothing is worse than finding the "right" resource without knowing where to go to locate necessary information. Far too often are resources clumped together into a lengthy PDF outlining a verbose SOP (standard of practice) or thrown into a PowerPoint slide that is being used as a word processing document with size 8 font.
Interactive job aids can significantly enhance the user experience. If individuals need to funnel through a series of steps to narrow down to the appropriate piece of information, consider chunking content into easy-to-navigate decisions that narrow a broad topic into a narrow, finite resource. These elements not only make the process of accessing information a pleasant experience, it supports learners with the necessary scaffolds needed to arrive at a particular solution.
Accessibility
Ensure that your job aids are accessible to all learners. Consider the format information is presented in and how learners will need to access the information. That website that is only optimized for being viewed on a computer isn't much help to your team when they're on the go and in the field, with only their mobile phone.
Provide options for different formats, such as printable PDFs or mobile-friendly versions. Make sure the job aids are compatible with different devices and screen sizes. That website that is only optimized for being viewed on a computer isn't much help to your team when they're on the go and in the field, with only their mobile phone.
Regular Updates
Job aids should be regularly updated to ensure they remain relevant and accurate. As processes or procedures change, make sure to update the job aids accordingly. Encourage feedback from learners and stakeholders to identify areas for improvement or updates.
Conclusion
Creating engaging job aids is crucial for effective learning and performance improvement. By incorporating visual appeal, simplicity, interactivity, accessibility, and regular updates, you can create job aids that grab learners' attention and keep them engaged. Remember, the goal is to facilitate effective learning and drive behavior change. So, take the time to design job aids that are not only informative but also enjoyable to use.