The Essential Guitar Handbook
Project Overview
Context: This e-Book project was completed as part of the EME5077 Mobile Learning course at Florida State University. For the assignment instructions, each student worked individually to create an interactive e-Book that can be used on a mobile device. The focus of the assignment was on design layout, interactivity, and interface.
Conditions: I independently completed this project within a set timeframe. Each student chose their own topic for the e-Book, which required individual content development. Images were sourced online and credited in the reference section of the e-Book, with additional graphics created using Microsoft PowerPoint and Adobe Illustrator. While I served as the subject matter expert, I supplemented content development with online research that is credited in the reference section.
Scope: This is the final submission of original material for grading. Before submission, my professor provided feedback on font size and content structure for mobile devices. The project underwent a complete overhaul before final submission, and no further feedback on additional changes was provided after submission.
Role: I independently led the project development, assuming roles as subject matter expert, designer, and content developer.
Below is a list of the competencies and how they were demonstrated on this project.
e-Book Cover Page
e-Book Preface pt. 1
e-Book Preface pt. 2
e-Book Preface Table of Contents
Communication Skills
Communicate effectively in written, oral, and visual formats.
Produce clear, concise, and grammatically correct messages.
Produce visuals that adhere to the principles of message design.
Deliver effective and engaging presentations.
The content for this e-Book is optimized for viewing on a mobile device, and designing content for a mobile device requires a combination of technical proficiency, creativity, and effective communication skills to produce a compelling and engaging digital publication. Strong writing skills are essential for creating a coherent message, style, and tone throughout the e-book. Instructional designers need to be able to articulate ideas clearly, concisely, and effectively to engage learners’ concentration and convey information in a compelling manner. Attention to detail and the ability to edit and proofread content thoroughly are crucial for ensuring accuracy, clarity, and professionalism in the final product. Throughout the entirety of the book these communication skills were used to convey the important information that novice guitar players need to reach their playing goals.
Diagram of a Nylon String Acoustic Guitar
Learning about Nylon String Acoustic Guitars
Diagram of an Electric Guitar
Learning how to change your guitar strings with additional resources
Design Skills
Apply learning theory and systems thinking to design practice.
Design interventions to address learning and performance.
Design a curriculum, program, or learning solution.
Use visual design principles appropriately.
When designing an e-Book, instructional designers should be proficient in developing relevant and engaging content that aligns with the learning objectives and target audience's needs. This includes structuring the content logically, organizing information effectively, and presenting it in a clear and concise manner. It is essential to employ appropriate instructional strategies and methods to facilitate learning, such as incorporating interactive elements and multimedia content to enhance learner engagement and retention. Visual design plays a crucial role in the effectiveness of an e-Book including visually appealing layouts, graphics, and illustrations that enhance the readability and learner motivation.
When designing this e-Book, my central idea was to create a helpful guide that would inform the reader of all the important information that would help when selecting the best guitar for themself. This was done to avoid the known pitfalls of buyer’s remorse or giving up on learning the guitar prematurely. I structured my learning objectives around this central idea and organized the material throughout the book appropriately with graphics, illustrations, links to additional resources, and an interactive table of contents.
Considering anticipated reader conditions, the book covers researching, buying, and owning a guitar. While readers may follow the book sequentially, they can revisit relevant sections as needed. The mobile format enables "just in time" access, even while shopping for the guitar itself in a store or sitting down to a practice session.
When it came to the overall look and layout of the e-Book, I used visual design principles to guide and inform the creation and arrangement of my visual elements. Examples of this include “Alignment,” with arranging elements along a common axis and to create order and structure, “Repetition,” using consistent visual elements such as colors, shapes, patterns, or typography throughout a design, as well as “Unity,” providing a cohesive and consistent design ensuring all elements work together to create a unified message.
Technology and Media Skills
Select and use appropriate technology and media for specific outcomes.
Develop instructional materials using a variety of media (e.g., print, audio-visual, multimedia).
Analyze the characteristics of existing and emerging technology.
Use technology tools in the design process.
Instructional designers should be familiar with e-book authoring tools and platforms to create and publish e-books. They should also be knowledgeable about emerging technologies and trends in e-book design to leverage innovative features and functionalities. To create this eBook, I researched a variety of different authoring tools including Adobe InDesign, Flippingbook, Xara, Issuu, and Venngage. While I analyzed each characteristic of the different software I ultimately selected Canva as my main design software and Microsoft PowerPoint to help create additional graphics or merge images together. I found Canva to be very user friendly, intuitive, and allow for customizing templates and content for my individual needs. Canva also helped to facilitate the interactive elements in providing external resource links and a table of contents that would allow readers to jump to a desired page or section of the e-Book.
To access the full e-Book, click on the link below: