ARCS motivational theory guided the development of Heat Map Hero, as a few examples will demonstrate. To create perceptual arousal and gain ATTENTION while also undercutting potential learner anxiety, humor has been used. Part of the humor stems from the incongruity of a highly externally self-assured protagonist who is completely lacking in any necessary skills/understanding relative to heat map creation. I also leveraged a bright yellow background and a raucous intro track (which eventually gives way to a more soothing beat) to grab attention.
RELEVANCE stems from the fact that the protagonist’s challenge or goal orientation reflects something the learner will also need to be able to do. Our heat map hero is essentially modeling the learners’ journey and thus helping to create CONFIDENCE in their abilities to create their own heat maps. Exaggeration is used throughout the video relative to the importance of the undertaking to help plant the seeds of eventual learner SATISFACTION (i.e., you too will be heroic in your accomplishment!)
