What is the learning purpose of your video?
The main aim of the tutorial video is to teach viewers how to use razors for shaving. I started shaving in my early teens, and it can be intimidating when starting out if you don’t have the proper guidance. I showcased how to prepare your skin before shaving, how to use proper technique when handling a razor, as well as guidance throughout the shaving process. My hope was to help viewers enhance their shaving abilities, making it a safer, efficient, and more comfortable experience.
Why is video a good medium for this learning purpose?
Video works best at teaching practical skills like shaving, which pretty much require visual demonstrations. Shaving has a risk for minor injuries so just showcasing still photos or describing how to do it wouldn’t be enough. Viewers can observe how to properly use a razor, which is a lot more practical than written instructions or static images. Videos also allow for highlighting nuances such as razor angles or pressure application that are crucial for mastering the skill. Also allowing viewers to have the flexibility to pause, rewind and review segments of the video at their pace, creating an adaptable learning experience.
Which of the principles we’ve covered this term did you incorporate into your design and why?
Mayer’s Segmenting Principle: I utilized the segmented principle by keeping my video just under five minutes and straight to the point.
Mayer’s Personalization Principle: I tried to treat the viewer as a friend, as if I were just showing this friend how to do something. Utilizing more conversational dialogue, I didn’t stick to my script entirely. I treated the script as a guide rather than the benefactor. I intentionally left enough ambiguity for me to fill in and go off book.
Cognitive Load Theory: There are a lot of ways to shave which I briefly mentioned in the video (ie: safety razors with shave brushes and lathering bowls), which have more tedious and longer processes. I chose to stick to the basics which only require shaving cream and a cheap razor. I wanted to keep it straightforward as the tutorial is intended for beginners shaving for the first time. I avoided irrelevant details to improve the efficiency of the viewer’s learning. Initially, I manually added on-screen subtitles but they were too distracting for my demonstration. Luckily, youtube has optional subtitles that can be turned off and on.
What was challenging about capturing your own video?
One thing was definitely the fact that I had already shaved earlier in the day, so I had to be extra careful not to irritate my skin while also showcasing how to shave, when I’m essentially shaving no hair whatsoever. There was also some echo in the bathroom that I filmed in, so I couldn’t achieve isolated microphone quality that I would have been able to on my computer. Balancing my phone on a box with a tiny tripod was also quite tricky. Usually shaving is easier when my face isn’t moving, so having to explain myself while demonstrating was somewhat of a challenge.
What did you find the easiest?
I enjoy shaving, so I had fun recording the video. Given that shaving is a pretty linear process, I had to film the process in order (from start to end). So, when it came to editing, it was fairly straight forward.
How would you approach capturing video differently next time?
I would definitely implement more camera angles, maybe even some closer up shots to have a better view of the shaving itself. I also wish I filmed in other places than just the bathroom. I think the introduction at the very least could have been filmed elsewhere. Getting help from a camera person would’ve been ideal as well.
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