A learner begins the scenario-based Elearning experience on overcoming communication barriers in the workplace.
Scenario-based eLearning Experience
Overcoming Communication Barriers
Do you have what it takes to clear the path to good communication?
Overview
This scenario-based eLearning experience aims to transform how managers and employees communicate by focusing on practical actions and behavior change rather than merely delivering information. Through the learning experience managers can apply effective new communication skills to increase productivity and build trust within their team, providing managers a foundation for handling difficult situations.
Audience: Managers in a corporate setting
Responsibilities: Instructional Design, eLearning Development, Visual Design, Mock-Ups, Storyboarding
Tools Used: Articulate Storyline 360, Vyond, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, Figma, MindMeister, Google Suite
Ted, a manager character, tells the learner productivity is down and they need the learner’s help to fix it.
The Problem
A large software development company contacted me because they were experiencing decreased productivity and higher employee turnover.
They found there was poor communication between managers and their teams, as well as within teams. This was leading to employee frustration, lower productivity, missed deadlines, and increased employee turnover.
The mentor character offers tips to assist the learner in making the best decision to improve communication in their team.
The Solution
After realizing that managers were unaware of the best practices around communication barriers, the client contacted me to request that I design and develop a learning experience that would help managers resolve communication issues in order to improve productivity.
I proposed a scenario-based eLearning experience that would allow managers to make real-world decisions across typical communication barriers and see the consequences of their decisions in a risk-free environment.
My Process
Action Map
I consulted with a SME to identify high-priority actions needed to address the problem. Then I created an action map using MindMeister to define what managers needed to do to improve their communication skills. I was able to identify performance gaps which allowed me to create immersive, realistic scenarios learners were likely to encounter in the workplace.
The action map showing high-priority actions needed to address the problem.
Text-based Storyboard
I created a text-based storyboard using storytelling to immerse the learner in workplace situations where they can make decisions in a low-risk environment. I focused on three high-priority actions managers could take, which served as the correct answers to each of three questions. Common mistakes were used as the distractors in each question. In the storyboard I showed the outcomes, both positive and negative, of various choices the learner could make. I also introduced a communications expert as a mentor character to guide the learner through the experience and provide on-demand information when needed. This also included visual and programming notes and served as a blueprint as I built the product.
The text-based storyboard created a detailed outline for each slide and a blueprint as I developed the project.
Visual Mockups
Once I received approval on the storyboard, I moved on to creating a mood board for inspiration and then a style guide with fonts, colors and animation style to ensure consistency. I used Figma to create these assets. Then I designed wireframes for layout using Figma. The next step was visual mockups, also created in Figma, to solidify layout, colors, and design for each type of slide. I used Adobe Illustrator to create a conference room and a manager’s office to fit the aesthetic the stakeholders wanted. I created characters using Vyond.
I continued to consult with a SME throughout the process, applying feedback to create several iterations of the visual design. The client liked the aesthetic and professional look of the mockups. The mockups made it possible to save a lot of time customizing the project to the client’s preference in Articulate Storyline 360.
The style guide showing the color scheme, fonts, button styles, and animation style for the project.
Wireframes were created to show slide layout.
High fidelity visual mockups allowed me to solidify colors, layout, design, and flow.
Interactive Prototype
To collect feedback on design and functionality I created an interactive prototype using Vyond to design animations and videos and Articulate Storyline 360 to create needed functionality.
Since this project deals with communication issues, I really wanted to show emotions and body language. I used Vyond to create video animations so I could portray body language and facial expressions.
Characters were animated to show emotions and body language.
I added hover states to the question buttons to indicate the answer the learner selects.
I added a mentor button to each question slide to take learners to a mentor screen with a specific tip to help them choose the best answer to each question.
Orange hover state shows the learner which answer they are choosing.
The mentor gives a tip to help the learner choose the best answer.
Full Development
After collecting and applying feedback from stakeholders, I used Vyond and Articulate Storyline 360 to develop the final product. I used animations showing the emotions of each character to help indicate whether or not the communication in the team was improving or becoming worse. I also used animations to show body language from both the manager and the employee characters. I am really proud of how the animations reinforced the concepts in this project.
One character showing she is uncomfortable through facial expression and body language.
The mentor character introduces herself and shows the learner how to get help using the mentor button.
Characters celebrate when the learner successfully completes the project.
Results & Takeaways
The stakeholders were very happy with the final product. They felt it was engaging and provided realistic communication problems their managers might encounter.
This project allowed me to immerse employees in realistic, context-driven situations, which enhanced learner engagement. It also fostered critical thinking and problem-solving skills, driving lasting behavior change by reinforcing the consequences of actions and promoting deeper understanding.
Managing this project from end-to-end enhanced my skills with Articulate Storyline 360, Vyond, Figma, Adobe Illustrator, and other elements of visual design. Having the freedom to create custom scenes and characters for this project gave me the opportunity to bring it to life in a fun, captivating way.
Using Figma to create mockups helped me speed up my workflow for the final project in Storyline rather than creating right in Storyline without the mockups.
I also enjoyed using AI technology to design backgrounds that fit the aesthetic and layout I was aiming for. I believe utilizing AI to prompt, edit, and refine images will be a real benefit to me as technology moves to using more AI.
I have learned the importance of continuous learning, problem-solving, and curiosity, which have been vital in my professional growth. By working closely with subject matter experts, tackling complex business challenges, adopting new technologies, and keeping up with evolving instructional design trends and AI developments, I’ve realized the value of maintaining a growth mindset. This is a practice I will continue to embrace and apply in the future.
Using the ADDIE model for instructional design, I went through a process of analysis, feedback, iteration, and testing by consulting with a SME to identify miscommunication problems between management and their teams. We agreed that scenario-based training would be an ideal way to simulate challenges management was facing. My next step was to design an action map to define the goals and performance gaps to be addressed in the eLearning experience. Using the action map, I then wrote a text-based storyboard, created wireframes, visual mockups, and developed an interactive prototype. After implementing stakeholder feedback I developed the final scenario-based eLearning experience.
What people are saying…
-
"April’s determination and creativity consistently shine through in her work. She has an exceptional talent for designing visually engaging eLearning materials that not only captivate the audience but also effectively convey the gravity of the subject matter. She excels in course development, time management, and consistently produces high-quality deliverables. Any organization would be fortunate to have April on their team."
Zynthia Martinez
Instructional Designer
-
"April is a dream to work with. She's collaborative, open, creative, and has the highest standards for her work. You can always count on her to deliver projects that align to your goals and go the extra mile to delight your participants."
Sarah Dethloff
Group Product Manager, Service Titan
-
“This is a great instructional! Far better than the mundane presentations I have seen over the years ”
Aaron Retford
President, Wolfgramm Industries
