Who says technical writing and instructional design have to be dry and dull? Enter comics—the superheroes of the communication world. Yes, comics, those colorful, action-packed strips that used to entertain you on Sunday mornings, are now swooping in to save the day. But how did comics make their way into such serious business? Let’s take a fun look at the history, application, and surprising benefits of using comics in these fields.
A Brief History of Comics in Training
Comics aren’t just for kids, and they haven’t been for quite some time. The use of comics in educational and instructional contexts dates back to the mid-20th century. During World War II, the U.S. military used comic strips to train soldiers, thanks to their ability to simplify complex information and hold the reader’s attention. For example, Will Eisner, a legendary comic artist known for The Spirit, created instructional comics for the Army to teach soldiers how to maintain their equipment. These comics, like “Joe Dope,” not only entertained but also provided crucial training on avoiding mistakes that could cost lives.
This idea wasn’t lost on technical writers and instructional designers. The visual and narrative format of comics makes them ideal for explaining processes, troubleshooting problems, and demonstrating proper usage of tools or software. The mix of text and images in comics caters to different learning preferences, making the content more engaging and easier to remember.
Why Comics? The Secret Superpowers
So why exactly are comics such a hit in technical writing and instructional design? Let’s break down the superpowers that make comics stand out.
- Simplicity in Complexity: Comics are like the translation devices of the technical world. They can take a dense, jargon-filled block of text and transform it into an easily digestible story. For instance, instead of a long-winded explanation of how a piece of software works, a comic can visually walk users through the process, one panel at a time. The sequential art form breaks down information into bite-sized chunks, which is exactly what the brain needs to absorb and retain complex information.
- Engagement and Retention: Remember that snooze-fest of a manual you once tried to read? Comics can turn that into a page-turner. The combination of visuals and text in comics caters to both visual and verbal learners, keeping readers engaged. Research shows that when learners are engaged, they’re more likely to retain the information. It’s the same reason you remember Spider-Man’s origin story but can’t recall the last paragraph you read in that manual.
- Universal Language: Comics have a unique way of transcending language barriers. A well-drawn image can convey meaning without needing translation. This makes comics a great tool for global companies that need to communicate technical information across different languages and cultures.
Case Study: Comics in Action
Let’s look at some real-world examples:
- Google: Back in 2008, Google published a comic to help users learn how to use their new Chrome browser. The comic broke down technical details into a narrative format that was easy for the general public to understand. This approach made the content more accessible and generated excitement. Chrome is currently the most popular web browser, considered the best for compatibility and simplicity by PC Magazine.
- Congruent Solutions: Congruent offers cloud-based solutions to manage and administer retirement plans, particularly for Fortune 500 companies. They implemented a monthly microlearning module that included a comic strip to help break down complex topics like data protection, privacy, and cybersecurity. They found that employees eagerly waited for each lesson, increasing engagement and participation. In fact, the four characters in the comic became unofficial mascots for the organization.
Challenges and Missteps (Because Even Superheroes Have Weaknesses)
Of course, it’s not all BAM! POW! and BOOM! There are some challenges to using comics in technical writing and instructional design. One of the main issues is that comics can be seen as too informal or juvenile for certain audiences. Imagine a nuclear physicist being handed a comic book to explain a new reactor process—it might not go over well.
Another challenge is that creating effective comics requires a certain level of artistic skill and narrative ability, which not all technical writers have. This means that producing high-quality instructional comics can be more time-consuming and costly than traditional text-based manuals.
The Future: Are Comics Here to Stay?
Given their unique ability to simplify complex information, engage users, and communicate across cultures, it seems comics are more than just a passing fad in technical writing and instructional design. As more companies and educational institutions embrace visual learning, the use of comics is likely to grow. So, whether you’re designing a user manual for the latest gadget or creating a training program for new employees, don’t be afraid to let your inner Stan Lee out and consider using comics.
Comics—Your New Instructional Sidekick
So, there you have it—comics aren’t just for superheroes anymore. They’ve proven their worth in the technical and instructional world, offering a fun, engaging, and effective way to communicate complex information. Whether you’re battling the forces of confusion or just trying to make a manual that people will actually read, comics might just be the sidekick you need.
Related Blogs
Heroes in the Shadows: Technical Writers of WWII
10 Worst Training Practices: Ensuring Nobody Learns Anything
Captivate Learners: The Power of Color
Resources
Bruce, Robert. “DON’T BE JOE DOPE!” A Tribute to Ordnance Corps Artist Will Eisner.” Small Arms Review. 1/1/20. Accessed 9/11/24. https://smallarmsreview.com/dont-be-joe-dope
Crumley, Todd. “‘Don’t Be a Dope’: Will Eisner’s World War II Posters.” The Unwritten Record. 1/26/22. Accessed 9/4/24. https://unwritten-record.blogs.archives.gov/2022/01/26/dont-be-a-dope-will-eisners-world-war-ii-posters
Evans, Julia. “How to teach technical concepts with cartoons.” Julia Evans. Accessed 9/11/24. https://jvns.ca/teach-tech-with-cartoons/
“Is training GenZ employees a challenge? This company tried comics.” HRWorld. 2/14/22. Accessed 9/4/24. https://hr.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/workplace-4-0/learning-and-development/is-training-genz-employees-a-challenge-this-company-tried-comics/89561074
Muchmore, Michael. “Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Opera, or Safari: Which Browser Is Best for 2024?” PC Magazine. 12/21/23. Accessed 9/4/24. https://www.pcmag.com/picks/chrome-edge-firefox-opera-or-safari-which-browser-is-best
Sharma, Mamta. “This company is making employee training interesting with comic.” People Matters. 3/17/22. Accessed 9/4/24. https://www.peoplematters.in/article/training-development/this-company-is-making-employee-training-interesting-with-comic-33211
Stephan, Adi and Ruaan Grobler. “Boing, Kaboom, Crack and Poof: E-Learning Motion Comics.” Training Industry. 12/11/19. Accessed 9/4/24. https://trainingindustry.com/articles/content-development/boing-kaboom-crack-and-poof-e-learning-motion-comics
