3 Elements of DigitaL Product Creation

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3 Elements of Digita Product Creation

3 Elements of Digital Product Creation: When I first begun my online career a person suggested I develop my skills base first so I learnt the three main elements of digital product creation — text, graphics, and media. It has proved invaluable as technologies and software changes these basic remain the same. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to develope these basic skills:

1. Text Elements of DigitaL Product Creation:

Understanding:

First, recognize the power of written content. Whether it’s the written content on a website, a product’s interface, or a mobile app, text conveys the core message. Pretty well everything you see online will involve text. Even graphics and videos often have text elements embeded in them.

Even as you look at this page it is covered with text. It is a mater of developing your style and then adding somer of the graphical elements to that text like bold, color, position etc.

Tools:

Start with word processors like Microsoft Word, Google Docs. There are lots of free text tools around for all devices both online and software.  I use them first then copy and paste to a website, blog, social media or other platforms. Once you get this skill under control you can do it direct. Libre office is good for all computers.

3 Elements of DigitaL Product Creation

Learning Path:

  1. Grammar & Style: Begin with the basics of grammar and style. Basically you want to write in a conversational style for the internet as most people read in about a grade 6 style.

  2. Writing all starts to look the same after a while. Pattern interrupts are what keep online readers interested. Use quirky subheadings, pictures, lists, and formatting to stop the page scroll.

    The Last Guide to Writing Online You Will (Probably) Ever Need - In a 4-Minute Read

  3. Copywriting: Learn the art of writing for web and digital products. Copyblogger and HubSpot have some excellent resources. I use Hubspot courses quite a lot as they have some great training.

  4. Content Strategy: Understand how to plan and structure your content with resources like “Wordstream“

  5. SEO Writing: Learn how to write for search engines. Moz’s Beginner’s Guide to SEO is a great starting point.

2. Graphics Elements of DigitaL Product Creation:

Understanding:

Graphics are crucial in making a digital product visually appealing and user-friendly. In this area you do not have to be fantastic but just enough to create some headers and graphics for your content. To do this we use a free online product called PhotoPea. Lots of online tutorials on Youtube. This is how we use it for QR Codes.

Tools:

Start with Photopea and free alternatives like GIMP. The best part about using Photopea is you can upload photoshop files. Many of these are free and you can use the file and just edit for your own needs. Search for free PSD files which are layered photoshop files. Here is one to get you started. https://freepsdfiles.net/

Here is a sample of a cartoon file I downloaded and just added my name in seconds.

Cartoon Background 2

Learning Path:

  1. Headers and Web Graphics: there are lots of sights that will show you all the different layouts. Canva also has lots of templates. These graphics are not very comples and as I said you can download free files and just edit to your format.

  2. Product images: Understand how to design user interfaces and user experiences. Don Norman’s “The Design of Everyday Things” is an excellent read. Here is a great short and simple tutorial on how to make fantastic digital product images.

  3. Logos: They say your logo is something you can quickly draw on a napkin in a restaraunt. Online logo creators like Logomaker by Vista are free to use – you can create as many versions of your logo you need to get the look you want, without having to worry about the cost. You can then use it for your business cards etc. Again you can get some PSD logo files and customise.

  4. Graphics for Web: Learn the specifics of designing for the web, including responsive design and optimization for faster loading times. By using a goos responsive theme for your website all the images will adjust to any device.

  5. General: the secret if to keep it simple. You will note all over the web the simple graphics and you can use them as inspiration but do not copy.

3. Media Elements of DigitaL Product Creation:

Understanding:

Media encompasses video, audio, and interactive elements that enhance user engagement. This can get a little more complicated but programs like Loom etc allow you to easily make short videos for free.

Tools:

A whole bunch of tools for your video and audio creation process. For Audio use Audacity which is free and for video start with Loom. You can also use Google Meet.

Learning Path:

  1. Video Production: Start with shooting basics, storytelling, and then editing. I mainly use camtasia these days doing a lot of screen capture tutorials.  You camn also use the free Google Meet and click on the three dots for more and recording preferences. You will need a google account.

  2. Audio Production: Understand recording techniques, sound design, and editing. Audacity is an easy-to-use, multi-track audio editor and recorder for Windows, macOS, GNU/Linux and other operating systems.
    Audacity is free, open source software.

     

  3. Podcasting: I have a digital product for you at Podcasts Learn how to plan, record, and distribute podcasts.
    In this Video and eBook, you will learn everything you need to know about setting up your own podcast and how to market it for maximum results. There has never been a better time to start your own podcast.Sales of smartphones over recent years have fuelled more interest in podcasts and now there are more podcast listeners than ever before. And the numbers are growing every year.

     

    Planning your podcasts is a very important step in the process and many marketers make the mistake of trying to wing it.

  4. Interactive Media: Delve into AR, VR, and interactive storytelling. Platforms like Unity or Unreal Engine offer comprehensive tutorials.

  5. Optimization: Learn to compress and optimize media for various platforms, ensuring quick loading times without sacrificing quality.

General Tips:

  1. Practice: As with any skill, regular practice will make a significant difference.

  2. Feedback: Always seek feedback from peers, mentors, or online communities.

  3. Stay Updated: The digital realm evolves rapidly. Following blogs, forums, or attending webinars/conferences will keep you updated.

Remember, as you dive deeper into each element, the lines between them might blur. For instance, a modern website might require a combination of all three elements. Embrace the overlaps as opportunities for integration and innovation.

Over tyhe years these three skills have held me in good stead not only for my own work but did a stint building websites for small to medium businesses and also got some govt contracts.

 

 
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