How to Utilize Video Manuals in Human Resource Development: Advantages of Video Manuals Using Actual Footage and Our Company Examples

Here, we will introduce some examples of video manuals that our company has produced. Each video manual has become an easy-to-understand manual that allows learning through visual means. As the saying goes, "A picture is worth a thousand words," these manuals are effectively utilized for learning business methods and procedures through intuitive visual information.

2-1 [Case 1] Construction Vehicle Inspection Method Learning Video Manual

The first introduction is a construction vehicle inspection manual video created at the request of a major electronics company. This client was using paper manuals for pre-learning in their business training, but decided to prepare a video-based manual to facilitate smoother understanding for learners.

The completed video contains the following content.

We capture actual vehicles from various angles and provide video explanations of the operating equipment and actual inspection methods.

In addition, to help understand the importance of inspections, we recreate actual accidents in a dramatized format to raise awareness and convey the serious impacts of accidents. By showing real site photos and reports, we aim to create a realistic experience, learn lessons from accidents, prevent disasters from fading away, and create a video manual that can be utilized in the future.

2-1-1 The Importance of Storyboarding in Video Manual Creation

A storyboard is the overall scenario of the completed video and is involved in the entire process. By creating a storyboard, you can grasp the overall picture of the video manual. Additionally, it clarifies what to shoot and from what angles, making it important for efficient filming.

The information necessary for video editing after filming, such as direction, subtitles, timing between visuals and narration, and various other details, is all included in the storyboard. In this way, the storyboard is a very important element in the production of video manuals.
So, what specifically is written in the storyboard?
To create a storyboard, first, the overall story is determined. After that, the content of each scene is devised.

The image of the video displayed on the screen is essential. In this project, we created rough illustrations of the inspection items (locations, actions) and transcribed the points to emphasize in each scene, as well as the explanations to be included as narration.

The narration phrasing is written by professional scriptwriters, but important points and word usage that we want to convey to learners are confirmed with the client's representatives who are actually involved in the field, and the wording is refined. All stakeholders check whether the intentions of the teaching side are incorporated into the storyboard and whether important points are emphasized, and we refine it together. Once the storyboard is completed through these processes, we can finally proceed to filming on site.

2-1-2 Production Point 2: Effectively express what cannot be conveyed through text and still images with video

Reflecting the Craftsmanship in Video
We will film the inspection and operation of actual work vehicles according to the storyboard.

Filming will generally proceed according to the storyboard. However, while filming with explanations from the on-site personnel, there may be instances where we receive opinions or requests regarding unexpected angles or additional tasks not included in the storyboard.

Therefore, even after entering the filming process, it is not uncommon for changes to be made to the storyboard, and rather, the refinement continues while incorporating valuable feedback.

During the shoot, the on-site personnel will indicate important learning points (such as equipment locations) on the spot, and we will proceed with several camera angles. This is to select footage that is easier to understand during editing. By shooting from multiple angles and utilizing them for explanations, we can confirm details such as the actual body orientation and hand placement, leading to a deeper understanding.

In this project, since the equipment being handled is large, we made sure to capture the actual application of force and how weight is applied. By making efforts to ensure that even the finer details can be understood in this way, we create a manual that is intuitive and easy to understand, resulting in a high learning effect without the need for extensive explanations.

For example, by showing videos of inspections such as dirt at the joints of equipment and oil leak checks, as well as checking the connection points of the equipment, one can develop a sense of the level of judgment criteria during inspections. Additionally, by recording the movements of workers from a wide angle during safety inspections, it becomes easier to visualize the distance and positioning relative to vehicles.

Video manuals that include such content are utilized in field operations, helping learners to smoothly adapt to the site.

2-2 [Case 2] In-Store Staff Response Video Manual

Next, we would like to introduce a request from a company that sells shoes nationwide. We produced a video manual for use in their stores.

In many cases, video manuals used in stores focus on customer service by store staff, product replenishment, and inventory management, but in this project, we also covered shoe maintenance.

2-2-1 Accurately depicting skilled techniques by allowing the performer to take charge while using the cue sheet

In this project, we had actual store staff participate and filmed their actions. Of course, the individuals who acted are experienced professionals. Therefore, there was no need to provide detailed instructions for their movements, and the creation of storyboards was omitted.

What we have prepared instead is the "Koban Table". The Koban Table is similar to a schedule used in drama filming, detailing the order in which each scene will be shot, the tools and angles to be used, and notes on who will do what.

For example, when depicting a character's day, the scenes switch from home → commute → company → commute → home. However, if filmed in chronological order, it would require changing sets and costumes each time, which is inefficient. To resolve this, we create a shooting schedule that groups scenes requiring the same set, such as home or commute, and ensures that no necessary props are overlooked. In this project, we efficiently progressed by consolidating shoots that used the same props, utilizing the shooting schedule.

And, the operation is basically left to the performer. The detailed "hand movements" of shoe maintenance are entirely based on the movements of the model performer. This video truly depends on the performer's movements. We will proceed while capturing the skilled performer's "hand movements" as they are.

Significance of Being a Demonstration Video

There is also a paper manual for shoe maintenance, which provides detailed explanations using photos and illustrations.

However, learning through video manuals demonstrated by skilled professionals can be expected to have a greater effect.

How to apply shoe cream, how to use a brush, how to hold shoes, and how to align your gaze are all clearly demonstrated in the instructional videos. Learners can directly observe a series of exemplary actions and achieve a higher learning effect.

For example, in this project, we created a video to verify the effectiveness of a waterproof spray. We prepared leather materials treated with the waterproof spray and untreated leather materials to compare their effectiveness. On e-commerce sites, you often see comparison photos of the materials after water is applied, but a video can enhance the appeal even further. In other words, we can recreate the actual application of water and demonstrate the effects that are exhibited.

In the completed video, it is clear how much water flows, how much it repels water, and the state of the water that splashes around. By showing not only the results but also the process, learners can experience the effectiveness of the waterproof spray. The experience through the video can be utilized for persuasive customer service. This learning effect can also be considered an advantage of video manuals.

Of course, for the store staff, it has become a video manual that not only teaches them how to maintain shoes but also helps them understand the importance of maintenance and why it is necessary, fostering a sense of attachment to the shoes.

Store staff learning with the completed video manual are able to feel the necessary know-how for selling shoes, maintenance techniques, and the excellence of the products they handle, allowing them to approach customer service with enthusiasm.

2-3 [Case 3] Video Manual for In-Store Staff Training

In this case study, we have created a video manual for the customer service and product handling of convenience store staff. Of course, video manuals also have a significant learning effect when it comes to learning the operations of a convenience store.

The operations at convenience stores are diverse. They include customer service at the register, stocking and displaying products, preparing deli items, receiving packages, payment processing services, and various ticket sales. Recently, they have even started handling tax payments. Convenience store staff must learn a wide range of tasks in a short period of time.

We received requests from our customers to have their staff effectively learn the necessary tasks in a short amount of time, which led us to create video manuals.

2-3-1 Video manuals are effective for training foreign workers

The originally created business manual was explained clearly with illustrations, making it easy to understand. It has been designed to help newly hired employees learn the business content in a short time and be able to work in the actual store.

What was the reason for preparing a video manual despite having a manual in place? During the hearing when starting the project, the response from the person in charge was about care for foreign workers.

Many people may have experienced this, but recently, there has been an increase in foreign staff at convenience stores. While their Japanese language skills are sufficient and there are no issues with customer service, it seems that misunderstandings due to nuances in language often occur, making it difficult for intentions to be conveyed.

It seems that there are surprisingly many things that, while relatively easy for Japanese people to understand based on context and experience, can be difficult for foreigners to grasp. Additionally, even with sufficient Japanese language skills, one cannot avoid specialized terminology and industry jargon when engaging in work.

It was said that due to the customer's intention to eliminate such barriers as much as possible, they decided to prepare highly effective video manuals that allow learning to progress without relying on words.

Indeed, as the saying goes, "Seeing is believing," video manuals are educational materials that convey information visually. They do not rely on verbal explanations, focusing instead on demonstration videos, making them particularly effective for training foreign workers. With the recent increase in foreign workers, it has become evident that video manuals are being utilized more and more.

2-3-2 Because it's a video, you can understand the subtle nuances of customer service.

According to what we heard from the person in charge, the customer service attitude of Japanese store clerks is reputed to be exceptionally good, standing out even in the world. However, it seems that for foreign customers, it can sometimes be difficult to understand such service practices, leading to questions about whether it is necessary to go that far.

For example, even the order in which products are placed in a shopping bag can reflect differences in countries and cultures. There were reports of incidents such as bread being crushed because it was placed at the bottom, sharp or hard items puncturing the bag, and products spilling out due to shifting within the bag. To avoid such "incidents," it seems that showing a model performance through a video manual helps people understand the correct method more smoothly. Subtle nuances such as the orientation and angle when placing items in the bag can be easily understood through video, eliminating misinterpretations. For instance, the method of placing a milk carton horizontally in a way that does not tear the shopping bag is something that can only be effectively conveyed through video.

One of the major advantages of video manuals is that you can learn by looking at the key points to keep in mind for each action.

2-3-3 Enhancing Understanding Colors with a Hybrid of Video and Still Images

In this project, illustrations and still images were also used in the video. Specifically, key points are highlighted by inserting captions.

This company also handles fresh produce in-store, and the freshness of the products is one of the selling points. Therefore, the condition of the products must always be checked and assessed. This video manual compares the condition of products that are acceptable with those that should be removed, using photographs. While explanations can be provided through video and narration, still images were intentionally used in scenarios where learning about key points and important considerations, as well as the criteria for assessing product quality, is necessary.

For example, we show an overall view of the vegetables in photos and explain the points from various angles. Since still images provide less visual information than videos, we can use them to highlight key points. This allows learners to observe the subject closely. Additionally, important notes are displayed in bullet points to emphasize key points and help them be retained in written form.

We have created educational materials that allow you to fully learn the necessary information for your work by watching videos, listening to explanations, observing still images, and supplementing with text.