Edit: I sat down and watched this, took notes, wrote a draft on my laptop and remembered that I opted for 2 step verification to get into my mail. Duh! I'll get to sending it ASAP. I am going to watch this video on its entire leght tomorrow with a notepad for suggestions at hand. Then, I'll give detailed recommendations from my point of view. I really appreciate the work you have put into this product, and would love to see it brought to market. And think that it deserves great appreciation.
Ok, I admit, at a certain point I skipped through it. But.... I'm very pleased with what I saw, apart from missing any speech. I've seen, and used, these kinds of videos before. Those had some music with them. I'm sure you have explained all that is needed to be able to assembly it yourself, almost better than an Ikea DIY booklet :) BTW: I love those folding feet!! Looking forward to get a Xoot!!
This is great. Very clear for me, and I didn't find any voiceover was required. It all seemed fairly straightforward. I'm looking forward to testing/reviewing, and eventually purchasing my Xoot!
Hello Chris. First off as I am late in joining the newsletter and following the process I realize there is a lot that has gone into this project even before I had the faintest idea it existed. Great work getting to this point. The list of points below is my view on how the assembly guide could be improved. Feel absolutely free to use what makes sense to you and scrap whatever you dislike or find irrelevant. I am using metrics in my examples, but the piont should be clear enough. ALL CAPS is not intended to be offensive in any way. Also, before you dig in, would you answer just one question? Will the XOOT be availible outside USA, Maybe even worldwide? Best Regards. Bue. Here Goes, in no particular order: 1. Use several tables (even more) so you dont have and film a crowded working space. Sugestions for tables could be: A) Presentation table B) Box/packaging table C) Overview table: for smaller bits and tools organized 2. The box. If you do not plan on a more "sleek" looking box, get it out of the view as soon as it has been emptied onto the presentation and overview tables. 3. Edit. edit. edit. Theres no reason to show the hands repeating the exact same action several times.. at least not in normal speed. in general use fast forward whenever it makes sense. I think the target time should be 10/15 minutes max. people will not be doing the assembly without pausing in any case (my guess) so sitting there waiting for the next step is frustrating. 4. Clear intention. Introduce each step with infographic or text that as clearly as possible shows what that step is trying to acomplish. If you are not confident making graphics yourself, maybe a potential costumor would be willing to help, or a combinaton of "before and after" shots with zoom on details could clearly show whats going to happen. 5. Zoom view. Whenever a small thingy like a screw or a bolt or cable connector is placed show exactly where it goes with ZOOOM VIEW! 6. Tool specs. along wtih efficient use. Although it is very amidrable if you include all necesary tools, that does not mean you have to use them in the video.. If you introduce the tool (with a closeup still picture and clear text specs) : "Hex key. 6mm. included in the box" you could then pick up your ergonomic professional screwdriver and save everuone some fideling.. If that screwdriver along with other tools has contrast colers it will be clear to the viewer whether you are using the 8mm. or the 6mm. "Oh! thats the red one again.. that was a 6mm. hex key.. right" 7. Clear Overview. Every part and every screw or plastic thingy or piece of foam used should be shown as CLEARLY AS POSSIBLE. First on the overview table, then in detail in a full screen picture along with the appropiate tool for scale comparison.. dont forget text with specs, if it has any and finally necesary amount and total package quantity... (M8. Torx 15 bit screw. 10mm. long. 12 in box, 6 needed) some of this info could be infographic. 8. Who is this XOOT dude? Introduce yourself with a smile as a minimum.. When you make a "full body/table" shot do not crop off your head.. Loose the old cap (dont hide your face) and put a pair of new black jeans (or something like that, witch will match the XOOT t-shirt.) Dont be shy! You have a great product to present. Whenever you go to zoom view or over the shoulder view etc. thats when you should crop the image to make the point of interest a s clear as possible.. avoid a half dedicated view. 9. What is that hand trying to tell us? In stead of gestures with the hands, witch could in theory mean anything. Use explanatory text, an image of the desired goal, infographics or similar. Although many people will be able to figure out what you are trying to imply, eliminating guesswork is best in an assembly guide. 10. Elevator music. And sounds. Some music or maybe a voiceover. Either way it should be unobtrusive and pleasant. Some royalty free stuff should be relatively easy to find. For other sounds, audio effects for different screens sutch as "overview" "new section" "optional extra" etc. will help to break up monotone and realign focus for the next task. "Hey look! its a moving picture.. WITH SOUND!?" 11. Planning. Take time to plan each section of the guide, script it.. (maybe even a storyboard) Then practice it a few times before you record so you can do it confidently without fiddeling and nervous/pointless actions or movements. This will make it look easy to assemble and therefore use. (and will promote the product) Avoid "man-handling" anything. Even if your product is very solid and durable, a customors Wacom is a dear possesion, and his or her little baby. Equibment connected should be usable without eccesive force. Finally try to rearange cut-scenes to see if something makes more sense/works better in a different order. (Overview to zoom to graphic, or instead, Zoom to overview to graphic) And.. Edit. edit. edit.. 12. On screen text. Whenever text is put on the screen make it.. BIG CLEAR & CENTERED. There is plenty of room on that screen after all.. Down at the bottom of the RUclips player is the progress bar, if used it should not block any information at any point in the video, since pausing the guide at any point should be easy and unobtrusive to the content. Avoid using any acronym. Wrong: (CP24) Right: Wacom Cintiq pro 24 inch If possible also avoid paratheses. Wrong: (Optional) mount small legs. Right: Optional. mount small legs. 13. Camera angles. Make use of several camera angles to make every step as clear as possible. Some examples. (theese names are home made, see video links in the bottom for examples of what it could look like) Top down view. Great for overview Over the shoulder view. Great for detailed view of connecting cables etc. Macro/detail view. good at showing important detail or small part orientation. Overall view. showing the progress or similar Relocate item view. Moving that foam into position? Desired result view. we will be here after this step Etc etc.. No videographer among your friends? check out youtube for tutorials of "product presentation video production" or similar. Just to get inspiration for technique. Making fluid yet dynamic footage is simple and innexspensive with a smarphone and a gimbal. 14. Last one. When you discover something great, that works well. Apply it throughout the video even if it means remaking some sections or clips.. Dont scrap anything untill the final edition is finalized (save backup and past footage), but explore wether you new knowlegde can make the whole thing more fluid and satisfying to watch.. In the end, the assembly guide will be seen by people who follow their initial couriosity about your product and want to know more. Therefore it can be considered a more in depth presentation (as in comercial) of the product in addition to its function as a guide. And it also signifies serious commitment to costumor support! Below links to examples of zoom view, over shoulder view and mutch more. Thule bike trailer guide: ruclips.net/video/ULAlmxWdWZw/видео.html Wacom One: ruclips.net/video/9BY21kdNP8o/видео.html Random Mobile Gimbal Review: ruclips.net/video/MG5FT5xFUa4/видео.html
Thank You Bue. I wrote back to you last month but I wanted to acknowledge you in the RUclips comments. I feel your incites are spot on, and I deeply apricate time time and thought you put into you comments.
In my opinion Just add text which will auto translated. to understand what part of video I'm watching now. Also add what device -wacom you are working with now . Add what tools I need or don't need at all)
Edit:
I sat down and watched this, took notes, wrote a draft on my laptop and remembered that I opted for 2 step verification to get into my mail. Duh!
I'll get to sending it ASAP.
I am going to watch this video on its entire leght tomorrow with a notepad for suggestions at hand.
Then, I'll give detailed recommendations from my point of view.
I really appreciate the work you have put into this product, and would love to see it brought to market. And think that it deserves great appreciation.
Ok, I admit, at a certain point I skipped through it.
But....
I'm very pleased with what I saw, apart from missing any speech. I've seen, and used, these kinds of videos before. Those had some music with them.
I'm sure you have explained all that is needed to be able to assembly it yourself, almost better than an Ikea DIY booklet :)
BTW: I love those folding feet!!
Looking forward to get a Xoot!!
This is great. Very clear for me, and I didn't find any voiceover was required. It all seemed fairly straightforward. I'm looking forward to testing/reviewing, and eventually purchasing my Xoot!
can't wait!
When are you coming back ? please 😢
Hello Chris.
First off as I am late in joining the newsletter and following the process I realize there is a lot that has gone into this project even before I had the faintest idea it existed. Great work getting to this point.
The list of points below is my view on how the assembly guide could be improved.
Feel absolutely free to use what makes sense to you and scrap whatever you dislike or find irrelevant.
I am using metrics in my examples, but the piont should be clear enough.
ALL CAPS is not intended to be offensive in any way.
Also, before you dig in, would you answer just one question?
Will the XOOT be availible outside USA, Maybe even worldwide?
Best Regards.
Bue.
Here Goes, in no particular order:
1. Use several tables (even more) so you dont have and film a crowded working space.
Sugestions for tables could be: A) Presentation table B) Box/packaging table C) Overview table: for smaller bits and tools organized
2. The box. If you do not plan on a more "sleek" looking box, get it out of the view as soon as it has been emptied onto the presentation and overview tables.
3. Edit. edit. edit.
Theres no reason to show the hands repeating the exact same action several times.. at least not in normal speed. in general use fast forward whenever it makes sense. I think the target time should be 10/15 minutes max. people will not be doing the assembly without pausing in any case (my guess) so sitting there waiting for the next step is frustrating.
4. Clear intention.
Introduce each step with infographic or text that as clearly as possible shows what that step is trying to acomplish. If you are not confident making graphics yourself, maybe a potential costumor would be willing to help, or a combinaton of "before and after" shots with zoom on details could clearly show whats going to happen.
5. Zoom view.
Whenever a small thingy like a screw or a bolt or cable connector is placed show exactly where it goes with ZOOOM VIEW!
6. Tool specs. along wtih efficient use.
Although it is very amidrable if you include all necesary tools, that does not mean you have to use them in the video.. If you introduce the tool (with a closeup still picture and clear text specs) : "Hex key. 6mm. included in the box" you could then pick up your ergonomic professional screwdriver and save everuone some fideling..
If that screwdriver along with other tools has contrast colers it will be clear to the viewer whether you are using the 8mm. or the 6mm. "Oh! thats the red one again.. that was a 6mm. hex key.. right"
7. Clear Overview.
Every part and every screw or plastic thingy or piece of foam used should be shown as CLEARLY AS POSSIBLE. First on the overview table, then in detail in a full screen picture along with the appropiate tool for scale comparison.. dont forget text with specs, if it has any and finally necesary amount and total package quantity... (M8. Torx 15 bit screw. 10mm. long. 12 in box, 6 needed) some of this info could be infographic.
8. Who is this XOOT dude?
Introduce yourself with a smile as a minimum.. When you make a "full body/table" shot do not crop off your head.. Loose the old cap (dont hide your face) and put a pair of new black jeans (or something like that, witch will match the XOOT t-shirt.)
Dont be shy! You have a great product to present.
Whenever you go to zoom view or over the shoulder view etc. thats when you should crop the image to make the point of interest a s clear as possible.. avoid a half dedicated view.
9. What is that hand trying to tell us?
In stead of gestures with the hands, witch could in theory mean anything. Use explanatory text, an image of the desired goal, infographics or similar. Although many people will be able to figure out what you are trying to imply, eliminating guesswork is best in an assembly guide.
10. Elevator music. And sounds.
Some music or maybe a voiceover. Either way it should be unobtrusive and pleasant.
Some royalty free stuff should be relatively easy to find. For other sounds, audio effects for different screens sutch as "overview" "new section" "optional extra" etc. will help to break up monotone and realign focus for the next task.
"Hey look! its a moving picture.. WITH SOUND!?"
11. Planning.
Take time to plan each section of the guide, script it.. (maybe even a storyboard) Then practice it a few times before you record so you can do it confidently without fiddeling and nervous/pointless actions or movements. This will make it look easy to assemble and therefore use. (and will promote the product)
Avoid "man-handling" anything. Even if your product is very solid and durable, a customors Wacom is a dear possesion, and his or her little baby.
Equibment connected should be usable without eccesive force.
Finally try to rearange cut-scenes to see if something makes more sense/works better in a different order. (Overview to zoom to graphic, or instead, Zoom to overview to graphic) And.. Edit. edit. edit..
12. On screen text.
Whenever text is put on the screen make it.. BIG CLEAR & CENTERED.
There is plenty of room on that screen after all..
Down at the bottom of the RUclips player is the progress bar, if used it should not block any information at any point in the video, since pausing the guide at any point should be easy and unobtrusive to the content.
Avoid using any acronym.
Wrong: (CP24)
Right: Wacom Cintiq pro 24 inch
If possible also avoid paratheses.
Wrong: (Optional) mount small legs.
Right: Optional. mount small legs.
13. Camera angles.
Make use of several camera angles to make every step as clear as possible.
Some examples. (theese names are home made, see video links in the bottom for examples of what it could look like)
Top down view. Great for overview
Over the shoulder view. Great for detailed view of connecting cables etc.
Macro/detail view. good at showing important detail or small part orientation.
Overall view. showing the progress or similar
Relocate item view. Moving that foam into position?
Desired result view. we will be here after this step
Etc etc..
No videographer among your friends? check out youtube for tutorials of "product presentation video production" or similar. Just to get inspiration for technique. Making fluid yet dynamic footage is simple and innexspensive with a smarphone and a gimbal.
14. Last one.
When you discover something great, that works well. Apply it throughout the video even if it means remaking some sections or clips.. Dont scrap anything untill the final edition is finalized (save backup and past footage), but explore wether you new knowlegde can make the whole thing more fluid and satisfying to watch..
In the end, the assembly guide will be seen by people who follow their initial couriosity about your product and want to know more. Therefore it can be considered a more in depth presentation (as in comercial) of the product in addition to its function as a guide.
And it also signifies serious commitment to costumor support!
Below links to examples of zoom view, over shoulder view and mutch more.
Thule bike trailer guide:
ruclips.net/video/ULAlmxWdWZw/видео.html
Wacom One:
ruclips.net/video/9BY21kdNP8o/видео.html
Random Mobile Gimbal Review:
ruclips.net/video/MG5FT5xFUa4/видео.html
Thank You Bue.
I wrote back to you last month but I wanted to acknowledge you in the RUclips comments. I feel your incites are spot on, and I deeply apricate time time and thought you put into you comments.
It would be helpful if there was a voiceover or something as the video goes on. Otherwise it’s a great step-by-step tutorial.
When is this coming out? It would have been nice to just talk.
You and me both, I'll be sending out an updated news letter soon.
In my opinion Just add text which will auto translated. to understand what part of video I'm watching now. Also add what device -wacom you are working with now . Add what tools I need or don't need at all)
Seem it's has less wable thar Wacom arm, isn't it? Please contact me if there is an option to send it in Ukraine.))