The "Project Estimation Rules" presented in this tool are based upon the "best guesses" of experienced instructional designers. There is a lack of science in these estimates, but at least they give you a place to start in estimating the time and resources needed for an interactive multimedia development project. Many important development aspects are not included in these "rules of thumb," e.g., authoring time and video or graphics production time.
Instructions:
1. The use of the word “rules” may be a bit strong for this tool. However, when faced with the difficult task of estimating the size and scope of a project, it can be useful to consider some “r
ules of thumb” that other instructional designers use to estimate what might be involved in an instructional development project.
2. “Rules of thumb” are provided for the following types of products:
a. Reading Materials
b. Audio and Video Scripts
c. Format Sheets for Interactive Training
d. Introductions and Summaries for Audio, Video or Interactive
Segments
e. Instructor Orientation Materials
f. Lesson Plan Notes
g. Overhead Transparencies or Flip Chart Visuals
h. Exercises
i. Quizzes
Project Estimation Rules of Thumb
(Adapted from Greer, 1992*)
Here are some rules of thumb that some “old hands” in the training business use to estimate the amount of materials required for traditional and interactive training courses:
a. Reading Materials:
Rule:Up to 20 pages for each hour of trainee reading. An experienced instructional designer will spend approximately one hour per page of finished reading material.
Explanation:These include anything that trainees are asked to read, e.g., class handouts, text of workbooks, etc. Exercises and quizzes are not included.
b. Audio and Video Scripts:
Rule:About 1 1/3 pages of script for each minute of audio, 2 pages of script for each minute of video. Storyboards take more pages per minute. A page of script for audio can be written by an experienced script writer in one hour, a page of video script in 90 minutes, and one storyboard takes an average of 30 minutes.
Explanation:If your own designers are writing their own scripts, use these rules of thumb. If you are subcontracting the script writing out to media producers, simply tell them how many minutes you will need.
c. Format Sheets for Interactive Training:
Rule:Ten or more format sheets may be required for each minute of interactive training material used by trainees. Experienced designers can produce four format sheets per hour. Storyboards for video or animation sequences may take more pages per minute at a rate of production of one storyboard per thirty minutes.
Explanation:Formatting your intended interactions for CBT or interactive multimedia is essential for formative review and accurate communications with other members of a design team such as programmers and graphic artists.
d. Introductions and Summaries for Audio, Video or Interactive Segments:
Rule:About a 1/2 page for each introduction or summary
Explanation:These "set-ups" or reviews may be required in trainee and/or instructor materials, especially when the segment is lengthy or the material complex. Explanations of how to get started with interactive training materials are especially critical. An experienced designer will write an introduction or summary in an hour.
e. Instructor Orientation Materials:
Rule:10 to 15 pages for a one day course
Explanation:This material describes the general instructor skills required, facilities and set-up requirements, overall expectations regarding the orchestration of events during the course, etc. An experienced designer will write orientation material at the rate of one page per hour.
f. Lesson Plan Notes:
Rule:About 10 pages for every hour of lesson plans
Explanation:Lesson plans should include:
• clearly stated objectives
• detailed lecture notes
• ideas for getting and maintaining trainee attention/motivation
• references
• recommendations for remedial or enrichment
An experienced instructional designer will write lesson plans at the rate of one page per hour.
g. Overhead Transparencies or Flip Chart Visuals:
Rule:About ten per hour of instructor led presentation or demonstration
Explanation:This is a difficult one to estimate because some complex content may require substantially more visually. It is a good idea to examine those used in similar courses before making a final estimate. An experienced instructional designer can produce two overhead transparencies or flip chart visual per hour. Often the instructional designer will sketch out the illustration and a graphic artist will produce the final product.
h. Exercises:
Rule:Up to 5 pages of material for each trainee exercise
Explanation:Exercises include hands-on activities such as role-playing, in-basket exercises, assignments, and drill-and-practice materials. Experience designers design exercises at the rate of one page per hour.
i. Quizzes:
Rule:One page for every two test items.
Explanation:A general rule of thumb is to have at least two test items for each objective provided that the objectives are behavioral based and defined very carefully. Quizzes are much more difficult to prepare than most instructional designers realize. Quizzes often requires the assistance of test, measurement, and/or evaluation specialists to assure that the quizzes are reliable and valid. Allow at least 30 minutes of professional time for each test item.
*Greer, M. (1992). ID Project Management: Tools and techniques for instructional designers and developers. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Educational Technol
Instructions:
1. The use of the word “rules” may be a bit strong for this tool. However, when faced with the difficult task of estimating the size and scope of a project, it can be useful to consider some “r
ules of thumb” that other instructional designers use to estimate what might be involved in an instructional development project.
2. “Rules of thumb” are provided for the following types of products:
a. Reading Materials
b. Audio and Video Scripts
c. Format Sheets for Interactive Training
d. Introductions and Summaries for Audio, Video or Interactive
Segments
e. Instructor Orientation Materials
f. Lesson Plan Notes
g. Overhead Transparencies or Flip Chart Visuals
h. Exercises
i. Quizzes
Project Estimation Rules of Thumb
(Adapted from Greer, 1992*)
Here are some rules of thumb that some “old hands” in the training business use to estimate the amount of materials required for traditional and interactive training courses:
a. Reading Materials:
Rule:Up to 20 pages for each hour of trainee reading. An experienced instructional designer will spend approximately one hour per page of finished reading material.
Explanation:These include anything that trainees are asked to read, e.g., class handouts, text of workbooks, etc. Exercises and quizzes are not included.
b. Audio and Video Scripts:
Rule:About 1 1/3 pages of script for each minute of audio, 2 pages of script for each minute of video. Storyboards take more pages per minute. A page of script for audio can be written by an experienced script writer in one hour, a page of video script in 90 minutes, and one storyboard takes an average of 30 minutes.
Explanation:If your own designers are writing their own scripts, use these rules of thumb. If you are subcontracting the script writing out to media producers, simply tell them how many minutes you will need.
c. Format Sheets for Interactive Training:
Rule:Ten or more format sheets may be required for each minute of interactive training material used by trainees. Experienced designers can produce four format sheets per hour. Storyboards for video or animation sequences may take more pages per minute at a rate of production of one storyboard per thirty minutes.
Explanation:Formatting your intended interactions for CBT or interactive multimedia is essential for formative review and accurate communications with other members of a design team such as programmers and graphic artists.
d. Introductions and Summaries for Audio, Video or Interactive Segments:
Rule:About a 1/2 page for each introduction or summary
Explanation:These "set-ups" or reviews may be required in trainee and/or instructor materials, especially when the segment is lengthy or the material complex. Explanations of how to get started with interactive training materials are especially critical. An experienced designer will write an introduction or summary in an hour.
e. Instructor Orientation Materials:
Rule:10 to 15 pages for a one day course
Explanation:This material describes the general instructor skills required, facilities and set-up requirements, overall expectations regarding the orchestration of events during the course, etc. An experienced designer will write orientation material at the rate of one page per hour.
f. Lesson Plan Notes:
Rule:About 10 pages for every hour of lesson plans
Explanation:Lesson plans should include:
• clearly stated objectives
• detailed lecture notes
• ideas for getting and maintaining trainee attention/motivation
• references
• recommendations for remedial or enrichment
An experienced instructional designer will write lesson plans at the rate of one page per hour.
g. Overhead Transparencies or Flip Chart Visuals:
Rule:About ten per hour of instructor led presentation or demonstration
Explanation:This is a difficult one to estimate because some complex content may require substantially more visually. It is a good idea to examine those used in similar courses before making a final estimate. An experienced instructional designer can produce two overhead transparencies or flip chart visual per hour. Often the instructional designer will sketch out the illustration and a graphic artist will produce the final product.
h. Exercises:
Rule:Up to 5 pages of material for each trainee exercise
Explanation:Exercises include hands-on activities such as role-playing, in-basket exercises, assignments, and drill-and-practice materials. Experience designers design exercises at the rate of one page per hour.
i. Quizzes:
Rule:One page for every two test items.
Explanation:A general rule of thumb is to have at least two test items for each objective provided that the objectives are behavioral based and defined very carefully. Quizzes are much more difficult to prepare than most instructional designers realize. Quizzes often requires the assistance of test, measurement, and/or evaluation specialists to assure that the quizzes are reliable and valid. Allow at least 30 minutes of professional time for each test item.
*Greer, M. (1992). ID Project Management: Tools and techniques for instructional designers and developers. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Educational Technol
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