To reach global audiences, think smaller — screens, that is | General Purdue - Purdue News Service

Brian Wallheimer inform, Scientists around the world develop new technologies and information that can improve the lives of people in developing countries. Getting that knowledge into their hands, however, often proves difficult.

The majority of people in developing countries view Scientific Animations Without Borders YouTube videos via mobile devices, shifting away from desktop and laptop computers. The finding can help agencies develop approaches to better reach audiences in those countries.
Photo: provided by SAWBO

One thing communicators can do, according to research from Purdue University and Michigan State University, is focus on smaller screens...

As mobile technology becomes dominant and grows in popularity, Pittendrigh said, communicators should consider screen size, letter size and crispness of images when developing videos and animations to have the most impactful messages.

“Broadly for the development community, you’re going to have to look toward content that is applicable on cellphones since we’ve reached the tipping point at which these technologies have gone from the promise of being an important mechanism to deliver content to becoming dominant,” Pittendrigh said. “The delivery of linguistically adaptable educational videos is important for people who speak diverse languages, are low-literate learners or both. Getting access to the knowledge in such videos has the potential to improve lives, ranging from better agricultural practices to improving health.”

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Source: Purdue News Service