Benefits of using video manuals with actual footage in human resource development and examples from our company

Here, we would like to introduce some examples of video manuals that our company has created. Each video manual is designed to be easy to understand and learn through visual information. As the saying goes, "seeing is believing," our manuals are effective tools for learning business methods and procedures by intuitively utilizing visual information.

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

The first one we would like to introduce is a construction vehicle inspection manual video created for a major electronics company. This client used paper manuals for pre-learning of job skills, but in order to facilitate understanding for learners, they decided to prepare a manual utilizing videos.

The completed video has the following content.

We have taken actual vehicle footage from various angles and explained the operation of equipment and actual inspection methods in videos.

In addition, in order to help people understand the importance of inspections, we have recreated actual accidents in a dramatic way to raise awareness and convey the serious impact of accidents. We also show real on-site photos and reports to make it feel more realistic, and to learn lessons from accidents and not let disasters fade away, it has become a video manual that can be used for future reference.

2-1-1 The Importance of Storyboards in Creating Video Manuals

The storyboard is the scenario for the entire finished video and is involved in the entire process. By creating a storyboard, you can grasp the overall picture of the video manual. It is also important for efficient shooting as it clarifies what and how to shoot from which angle.

In the process of editing videos after shooting, the necessary elements such as direction, captions, timing between footage and narration, and various information are all included in the storyboard. As such, the storyboard is a crucial element in the production of video manuals.
So, what exactly is written in the storyboard?
To create a storyboard, first the overall story is decided. Then, the content of each scene is devised.

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

Narration phrasing is written by a professional scenario writer, but important points and word usage that we want to appeal to learners are confirmed and adjusted by the client's representative who is actually involved in the field. The intention of the teaching side is confirmed by all parties involved, such as whether it is incorporated into the storyboard or whether important points are emphasized, and it is brushed up. After going through these processes, the storyboard is finally completed and we can finally move on to shooting on site.

2-1-2 Production Point 2: Effectively Expressing Things That Cannot Be Conveyed Through Text or Still Images with Video

Capturing the skills of craftsmen on film
We will film the actual inspection and operation of work vehicles according to the storyboard.

Filming will generally proceed according to the storyboard. However, while filming while receiving explanations from those on site, there may be unexpected angles or additions to the work that are not included in the storyboard, and we may receive opinions and requests about them.

Therefore, even during the filming process, it is not uncommon for changes to be made to the storyboard, and the polishing will continue while incorporating valuable opinions.

Shooting is done by receiving instructions on important points (such as equipment locations) from the site, and proceeding with multiple camera angles. This is to select easier-to-understand footage during editing. By shooting with multiple angles and using them to explain, it is possible to confirm even the finer details such as the actual body orientation and hand placement, leading to a deeper understanding.

In addition, as the equipment handled in this project is large, we also took photos to convey how to put in actual effort and how to put weight. By making efforts to understand even the smallest details, the manual will be intuitively understandable and highly effective for learning without having to use words.

For example, by showing the condition of dirt and oil leaks at the joints of equipment and checking the connection parts of the equipment in a video, you can develop a sense of the level of judgment criteria during inspections. Also, by recording the movements of workers during safety inspections from a different angle, it is easier to imagine the distance and standing position with the vehicle.

Video manuals that include this type of content are used in on-site work and serve as a helpful tool for those who have learned to smoothly adapt to the field.

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

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

In many cases, the video manuals used in stores focus on customer service, product restocking, and inventory management. However, in this project, we also covered shoe maintenance.

Use the incense burner table to accurately depict the skilled technique by leaving it to the performer.

In this project, we had actual store staff members appear and filmed their actions. Of course, the performers were experienced individuals. Therefore, there was no need to give detailed instructions and we omitted creating a storyboard.

Instead, what was prepared is the "Koban Table". The Koban Table is like a schedule table used for filming dramas, and it contains notes on the order in which each scene will be filmed, the tools and angles to be used, and who will do what.

For example, when depicting a character's day, the scenes will switch from home to commute route to office to commute route to home. However, if filming in chronological order, the set and costumes would need to be changed each time, which is inefficient. To solve this issue, we created a shooting schedule and grouped scenes that require the same set, such as home and commute route, and made sure no props were missed. In this project, we used the shooting schedule to efficiently consolidate filming that uses the same props.

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

2-2-2 The Significance of Being a Demonstration Video

When it comes to shoe maintenance, there is also a paper manual available that provides detailed explanations using photos and illustrations.

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

How to apply shoe cream, how to store brushes, how to hold shoes, and how to align your gaze can all be easily understood through demonstration videos. Learners can watch and learn the entire sequence of actions as a model, resulting in a more effective learning experience.

For example, in this project, we created a video to verify the effectiveness of waterproof spray. We prepared leather materials that were treated with waterproof spray and those that were not, and compared their effectiveness. On e-commerce sites, you may see comparison photos of materials after being sprayed with water, but with a video, we can further enhance the appeal. In other words, we can demonstrate the actual process of spraying water and show the effects that are achieved.

In the finished video, it is clear at a glance how much water is flowing, how much water is being repelled, and what state the scattered water is in. By showing not only the results but also the process, you can learn while experiencing the effectiveness of waterproof spray. This type of learning experience can also be utilized for persuasive customer service. This is also one of the advantages of video manuals.

Of course, for store staff, this video manual not only teaches how to maintain shoes, but also helps them understand the importance of maintenance and why it is necessary, so that they can develop an attachment to shoes.

Store staff who use the completed video manual for learning are approaching customer service with enthusiasm, as they gain knowledge and skills necessary for shoe sales, as well as a deeper appreciation for the products they handle.

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

In this case, we have created a video manual for convenience store staff to learn about customer service and product handling. Of course, video manuals are also highly effective for learning convenience store operations.

Working at a convenience store involves a wide range of tasks. These include customer service at the register, stocking and displaying products, making prepared foods, accepting home delivery packages, providing payment services and selling various types of tickets. Recently, convenience stores have also started handling tax payments. Staff at convenience stores must learn many tasks in a short period of time.

We received a request from our customers to effectively and quickly train our staff on the necessary tasks, so we have decided to create video manuals.

2-3-1 Video manuals are effective for educating foreign workers.

The originally created operation manual was explained in an easy-to-understand manner with illustrations, making it easy to understand. It has been carefully designed to allow newly hired employees to quickly learn the job and work in the actual store.

What was the reason for preparing a video manual despite having a manual already in place? During the initial hearing for the project, the words that came back from the person in charge were about caring for foreign workers.

I think many people have realized it, but recently, there has been an increase in foreign staff at convenience store clerks. Everyone has sufficient Japanese language skills and there are no problems with customer service, but there are still many scenes where misunderstandings occur due to nuances of language, making it difficult to convey intentions.

For Japanese people, even things that can be easily understood based on context and experience, there are surprisingly many things that are difficult for foreigners to understand. Even if one has sufficient Japanese language skills, it is unavoidable to encounter technical terms and industry jargon when working in this field.

According to the intention of the customer who wants to eliminate such barriers as much as possible, it was decided to proceed with learning without relying on words and to prepare a highly effective video manual.

As the saying goes, "seeing is believing," video manuals are instructional materials that can be understood just by watching. They rely on demonstrations rather than explanations in words, making them particularly effective for educating foreign workers. With the recent increase in foreign workers, the use of video manuals has been increasingly recognized.

2-3-2 You can understand even subtle nuances of customer service because it is a video.

We have heard from our clients that the customer service attitude of Japanese store clerks is highly praised as exceptional in the world. However, it can be difficult for foreigners to understand such customer service duties, and they may question the need for such efforts.

For example, even just the order of putting items into a shopping bag can reveal differences in countries and cultures. Bread getting squished at the bottom, sharp or hard items poking through the bag, items shifting and spilling out - these "accidents" are said to be a common occurrence. To avoid such accidents, it seems that watching a video manual of proper techniques can help people understand and perform more smoothly. Even subtle nuances such as the direction and angle of putting items into the bag can be easily understood without any misinterpretation through a video. For instance, the method of putting a milk carton sideways in a bag to prevent it from tearing was something that could only be conveyed through a video.

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

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

In this project, we also used illustrations and still images in the video. Specifically, we inserted captions to highlight important points.

At this company, we also handle fresh produce at our stores, and the freshness of our products is one of our selling points. Therefore, we must always check and assess the condition of the products we handle. In this instructional video, we compare photos of products in good condition and those that should be removed. While we can also explain with video and narration, we have chosen to use still images for scenes where we want to focus on important points and criteria for judging the quality of our products.

For example, we will show you the overall picture of vegetables with photos and explain the points in various angles. Still images can highlight key points by utilizing the fact that they provide less visual information compared to videos. Therefore, learners can observe the subject carefully. In addition, important points are emphasized by displaying them in bullet points and are also solidified as sentences.

We have created learning materials that allow you to watch videos, listen to explanations, observe still images, and supplement with text in order to fully learn the necessary information for your work.