“Let every thing that hath breath praise the Lord.” — Psalm 150:6
Lesson
What You Will Learn
- Apply design principles: contrast, alignment, repetition, proximity
- Use images, icons, and charts effectively
- Make slides accessible
- Use transitions and animations with restraint
Lesson Notes
Four Design Principles
- Contrast: dark text on light backgrounds (or the reverse); important items stand out.
- Alignment: everything lines up with something.
- Repetition: consistent fonts, colors, and positions.
- Proximity: related items are grouped together.
Visuals That Help
Use one strong image instead of several small ones. Replace bullet lists with a chart, diagram, or a few words and an image. Use SmartArt for simple processes. Only use images you have permission to use.
Accessibility
Font size at least 24 points, high contrast, alt text on images, and unique slide titles. Do not rely on color alone to show meaning. Use Review > Check Accessibility.
Motion With Restraint
Use one simple transition throughout. Animate only to reveal points one at a time. Flashy effects distract from your message.
Key Terms
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Contrast | Difference that makes items stand out |
| SmartArt | Built-in diagrams for processes and lists |
| Accessibility Checker | Finds problems for readers with disabilities |
| Transition | Effect between slides |
In-Class Activities
Slide Makeover
Redesign the text-heavy sample slide using the four principles. Reduce text to under 20 words and add one visual.
Accessibility Check
Run the Accessibility Checker on your orientation deck and fix every issue it finds.
Assignment: Redesigned Deck
Revise your orientation deck:
- Apply all four design principles.
- Replace at least two bullet lists with visuals (chart, SmartArt, or image).
- Pass the Accessibility Checker.
- Use one consistent transition.
Write a short before-and-after note on what you changed.
Graded with the Module Assignment Rubric.
Reflection Journal
Psalm 150 calls everything that has breath to praise God, using many instruments. Presentations use many tools too, but all serve one message. What is the one main message you want your life to proclaim?
Prayer focus: Ask God to make your life a clear message of His goodness.
Weekly Reading & Devotions
Design That Welcomes Everyone
Contrast, alignment, repetition, and proximity are the four quiet principles behind clean design. Applied together, they make slides feel calm and clear.
Accessible design welcomes everyone: large fonts, strong contrast, alt text for images, and never relying on color alone. Someone with low vision, color blindness, or a screen reader deserves to receive your message too.
Restraint is a design skill. One strong image is better than five small ones. One simple transition is better than a different effect on every slide.
The goal of design is not to impress but to serve. When design gets out of the way, the message shines.
Think About It
- Which design principle is hardest for you? ______________________
- Why does accessibility matter to you? ______________________
- Where would restraint improve your work? ______________________
Daily Devotions for Week 7
Everyone Welcome
Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us.— Romans 15:7 (KJV)
Accessible design receives everyone, as Christ received us.
Reflect: Who might be left out without accessible design?
Pray: Lord, help me welcome everyone.
Do: Run an accessibility check.
Beauty in Simplicity
He hath made every thing beautiful in his time.— Ecclesiastes 3:11 (KJV)
Simplicity can be beautiful.
Reflect: Where can you simplify?
Pray: Lord, show me beauty in simplicity.
Do: Remove clutter from one slide.
Harmony
Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!— Psalm 133:1 (KJV)
Consistent design creates visual harmony, like unity among people.
Reflect: Where is unity needed in your relationships?
Pray: Lord, bring unity.
Do: Make your slide fonts and colors consistent.
Humble Design
In lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.— Philippians 2:3 (KJV)
Design that serves the audience reflects humility.
Reflect: How can your work serve rather than impress?
Pray: Lord, give me a humble heart.
Do: Ask a classmate what would help them understand your slide.
Light That Shines
Let your light so shine before men.— Matthew 5:16 (KJV)
When clutter is cleared, the message shines.
Reflect: What clutter dims your light?
Pray: Lord, let my light shine.
Do: Clear one distraction from your life.
Module Quiz
- 1.
Which principle means related items are grouped together?
- 2.
Minimum recommended font size for slide text:
- 3.
Best use of animation:
- 4.
Color alone is enough to show meaning on a slide.
- 5.
Name two ways to make a slide more accessible.