2. Explain - Interaction Storyboarding
Storyboards are an interaction design method that allows designers to map out the core flow of an interaction. Much like a comic strip, storyboards focus on the big picture and ignore fine details unless they are critical to the user’s experience.
Best Practices for Storyboarding
When drafting a storyboard, keep the following principles in mind:
1. Focus on the Big Picture
- Approach storyboarding like drawing with a thick marker—focus on high-level interactions and avoid getting bogged down in detail.
- Storyboards help developers and users align on what matters most in the narrative flow.
2. Panel Size & Layout
- A storyboard typically ranges between 1 and 20 frames, with 3 to 6 frames being the most common.
- Each frame should contain:
- Characters & Emotions: Draw the characters (including your robot), and their expressions or body language.
- Captions & Dialog: Include text indicating what characters are saying or narration describing the action.
3. Timeline & Branching
- Indicate the passage of time between panels. It’s fine to skip forward in time without detailing intermediate steps.
- Branching Narratives: Instead of a single linear track, draft separate sub-storyboards for different user responses or pathways to cover interactive choices.
Motivating Examples & Videos
Check out the videos below to see how storyboard panels translate to final productions:
Relevant Videos