Physical book: Instructions

The "problem": not including clear instructions on how to use the experience leads to user confusion. The "solution": define the instructions within the book and/or app as clearly as possible.

"They'll figure it out, it's not that hard."

AR storybooks on the market today attempt to present instructions in various ways. Some don't even have clearly defined instructions (see research methods section for more detail on the comparative analysis). Because there are affordances associated with physical books and digital apps, assumptions are made when it comes to the AR storybook experience. According to a survey I sent out regarding technology in storytelling, parents who are interested in technology driven storytelling would only try it if it were easy to use. AR storybooks are still a new technology to parents and caretakers. We as designers and developers need to make it as easy as possible to use. Any hindrance in the experience, including not defining how to use it, will only take away from the potential benefits that AR can provide.

Inserting instructions within the experience

Two versions of the book The Boy by the Sea. The book on the left has no instructions within the pages. The book on the right has instructions embedded on the second page.

In the above image, the book on the left is the book I created years ago. The book on the right is a an updated version printed in 2022. Both books have a logo page with the title of the book and some attributions. The difference is that the book on the left has no instructions on where to find the downloadable app and how to proceed through the experience. The book on the right shows a page with instructions inserted into the experience. By adding an instruction page at the beginning of the book, you are using the affordance of reading a book from beginning to end to make it easier for the user to find. The book on the right has simple steps for the user to follow in order to download the app. It then prompts the user to continue to follow the on screen instructions on the app to learn more about using the experience.

Tip: There is more than one way to present instructions to a user. Inserting the instructions within the book or app, or a combination of both will ensure that the user doesn't miss it.

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