The Visual Training Blueprint

Turn one text-heavy task into clear, visual instruction.

Episode 3 Workbook Step 1 of 5

1. Choose One Text-Heavy Task

What instruction, procedure, or task feels harder to understand than it should? It can be small — using a piece of software, completing a form, following a procedure, operating equipment.

2. Find the Mental Work

What does the learner currently have to figure out for themselves?

Imagine what something looks like Remember several steps at once Translate words into an action Find the right information in a lot of text Figure out where to click/go

Where is the learner most likely to get confused?

Naming the real confusion here is what makes the visual you pick useful, instead of just decoration.

3. Ask: What Could You SHOW?

For each piece of the confusing text, pair it with what you could show instead.

What kind of visual fits best? Check any that apply.

Screenshot Diagram Demonstration Example Before/after Annotated image Short video or animation Step-by-step visual

The visual should help the learner do something — not just decorate the page. That distinction matters.

4. Build the New Instruction

Sketch the blueprint: what should the learner see, and what should they do, at each step?

5. The Clarity Check

Did I remove unnecessary text? Does each visual have a purpose? Can learners tell what to do next? Could someone use this without needing me to explain it?

MORE CLARITY. LESS OVERLOAD.

Your Visual Training Blueprint

Before — The Text-Heavy Task

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Before — The Mental Work

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Redesign — Instead Of / Instead Show

After — The New Instruction

Clarity Check

MORE CLARITY. LESS OVERLOAD.

BETTER TRAINING. MAKE THE NEXT STEP CLEAR.

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