Design and Development Tools
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Ease of Use Scale: Easy ---> Moderately Easy ---> Moderate ---> Moderately Difficult ---> Difficult
Google Docs and Zoho Writer
Word processing |
These are slimmed-down, online "word processors," which are great for writing text, organizing and outlining information, working with simple graphics, and preparing your design blueprint. There is a little bit of a learning curve at first, mostly because they function a little differently than the traditional word processing software. Useful for sharing and collaborating on documents. Their features and uses continue to expand. For more robust software, there's always Microsoft Word, Apple iWork, and Corel WordPerfect.
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MindMeister and Bubbl.us
Mind-mapping |
Generate and organize ideas fluidly with web-based mind-mapping software.
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Principles of Visual Design
An overview of good visual design |
If you will be creating graphics or participant materials, follow these basic principles of design (which apply not only to art, but to anything visual) to improve the look of your materials.
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The Thiagi Group
Interactive games and activities for learning |
Dr. Sivasailam Thiagarajan (aka Thiagi) is renowned within the Training & Development community for designing games and activities that teach and engage the participants. Subscribe to Thiagi's newsletter and explore his website if you want inspiration for making your training program more interactive.
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Google Images, Flickr, and Design Comics
Visual concepts |
Useful for finding images that inspire your creativity. If you use the images in your materials, be sure to follow each site's copyright requirements.
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BigStockPhoto, iStockPhoto, and Clip Art
Photographs and images |
Professional-quality graphics, images, and clip art to use in your marketing materials and participant materials...or just search the database to get ideas for creating your own images.
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Microsoft PowerPoint and Apple Keynote
Presentation and slide-show software |
Create workbooks, handouts, and graphics in this program. Can try other presentation software, such as Google Presentations and Zoho Presentations, but their features are too limited to recommend.
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Training Wheels, Trainer's Warehouse, Training Games and Coaching Toys
Toys, games, and training supplies
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These companies supply trainers with a range of products that can be used in a variety of educational settings. Use their catalogs to inspire your own activities or purchase their products to use in your training programs.
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SnagItScreen-capturing and image-editing |
This software is especially useful if you need to capture screen shots or images on your computer screen to place them in marketing materials or in workbooks, handouts, or slide shows. The software also has image-editing capabilities.
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Camtasia Studio
Screen-recording and presentation software |
This software is useful if you want to create virtual presentations, software demos, and e-learning style training programs. You can also convert PowerPoint presentations into a video that you can post on your website.
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