In this lightning talk, we’ll challenge the misconception that design is merely an aesthetic embellishment by exploring the critical role of design in creating impactful, accessible, and credible openly licensed textbooks. Drawing on theories from psychology, we will highlight how a well-designed textbook not only enhances comprehension but also establishes trust and credibility. In addition, attendees will leave equipped with practical tools and technical solutions to implement in their own textbook projects, from creating cover designs to picking a cohesive color scheme. This talk will focus on teaching Microsoft Word tools, recognizing that most people already have access to this software. Through these insights and tools, participants will leave equipped to prioritize design in their textbook projects, ultimately fostering enriched learning experiences for all types of learners.
Attendees of this session will be able to:- Understand the psychological theories behind how well-designed textbooks enhance comprehension, establish trust, and increase credibility among readers
- Understand how design can alleviate gaps in accessibility
- Analyze their manuscript and identify design gaps
- Choose a color scheme for their openly licensed resource
- Create a cover design using Microsoft Word
